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TRINITY  COLLEGE  PUBLICATIONS 


A  Guide  to  the  Study 
of 

The  English  Bible 


EDITORIAL  NOTE 


This  syllabus  is  published  under  the  auspices  of  the 
Committee  on  Publication  of  Trinity  College  and  is  the 
work  of  the  members  of  the  Department  of  Biblical 
Literature  and  Religious  Education.  It  is  intended 
primarily  for  use  in  the  general  course  in  the  study  of 
the  Bible  that  is  required  of  all  students  of  the  College 
in  the  Freshman,  Sophomore,  or  Junior  year.  It  is 
offered  to  the  public  because  the  Committee  wished  to 
afford  to  other  institutions  having  a  similar  course  an 
opportunity  to  use  it.  The  Committee  commends  it 
also  to  any  person  interested  in  the  study  of  the  Bible 
and  particularly  to  adult  Bible  classes  in  Sunday  schools 
that  desire  to  undertake  a  more  systematic  study  than 
is  provided  for  by  the  International  Lessons. 


A  Guide  to  the  Study 
of 

The  English  Bible 


BY 


HERSEY  EVERETT  SPENCE 


Professor  of  Biblical  Literature  and  Religious  Education 
in  Trinity  College 


\ 


^  c2  9  0> 


Trinity  College  Press 
Durham.  N.  C. 
1922 


Copyright,  1922 
By  Trinity  College 
Durham,  N.  C. 


Presses  of 

The  Seeman  Printery,  Incorporated 
Durham,  N.  C. 


Div.  S. 

1 1  3,  D  » 


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f  £>  Wr- 


PREFACE 


This  volume  is  intended  to  be  a  guide  to  the  study 
of  the  English  Bible,  nothing  more.  It  makes  no  pre¬ 
tension  of  being  either  critical  or  scholarly.  It  is  writ¬ 
ten  with  the  hope  that  it  may  enable  students  of  the 
Bible  to  gain  a  general  and  yet  a  comprehensive  knowl¬ 
edge  of  the  contents  of  the  book.  It  is  intended  largely 
as  a  text  book  to  be  used  in  schools  and  colleges  in 
conection  with  the  Bible  itself.  It  is  arranged  to  be 
covered  in  a  year  of  study  in  a  course  of  three  hours 
a  week.  At  the  same  time  it  is  easily  adjustable  to 
other  plans  of  teaching.  The  review  “Studies”  are 
merely  meant  to  be  suggestive  and  are  by  no  means 
comprehensive. 

This  work  is  the  outcome  of  several  years  of  experi¬ 
ence  in  teaching  the  subject  matter  of  the  Bible.  The 
author  and  his  colleague  have  taught  the  English  Bible 
for  some  years  with  no  other  text  except  a  syllabus  to 
suggest  the  main  topics  of  interest.  He  has  now  en¬ 
larged  that  syllabus  and  arranged  the  work  in  perma¬ 
nent  form  for  the  use  of  students.  The  references 
are  to  any  good  edition  of  the  English  Bible,  but  per¬ 
haps  more  satisfactory  results  may  be  obtained  by 
using  Moulton’s  Modern  Reader’s  Bible. 

The  author  is  under  obligations  to  his  colleague, 
Professor  James  Cannon,  for  reading  the  copy  criti¬ 
cally  and  for  many  helpful  suggestions  which  con¬ 
tributed  materially  to  improve  the  book.  Several  of 
the  “Studies”  in  the  section  on  the  New  Testament  are 
entirely  the  work  of  Professor  Cannon,  while  other 
“Studies”  in  that  section  have  been  carefully  revised  by 
him  with  consequent  improvement.  Unfortunately  cir¬ 
cumstances  beyond  his  control  prevented  him  from 


carrying  out  his  plan  of  undertaking  the  chief  respon¬ 
sibility  for  the  entire  work  of  that  section.  He  has 
given  help  in  the  task  of  correcting  the  proofs. 

A  debt  of  thanks  is  due  also  to  Dr.  W.  T.  Laprade 
of  the  Department  of  History  in  Trinity  College  for 
his  painstaking  care  in  editing  the  book.  He  has  spared 
no  efforts  to  make  it  a  success,  and  the  author  is  grate¬ 
ful  to  him  for  his  assistance. 

As  might  be  expected  in  a  work  of  this  sort,  frequent 
reference  has  been  made  to  many  books  from  which 
help  could  be  secured.  The  author  has  not  hesitated 
to  borrow  suggestions,  ideas,  and  even  outlines  where 
he  found  them  workable.  Free  use  has  been  made  of 
the  following  books  :  Eiselen  and  Barclay,  The  Worker 
and,  His  Bible ;  Seay,  An  Outline  for  the  Study  of  Old 
Testament  History;  Price,  A  Syllabus  of  Old  Testa¬ 
ment  History;  Bacon,  An  Introduction  to  the  New 
Testament,  Erdman,  The  General  Epistles,  and  Moul¬ 
ton,  Modern  Reader’s  Bible.  Additional  authorities 
that  have  been  consulted  are :  Wild,  Genung,  Hodges, 
Penniman,  and  others,  to  all  of  whom  the  author 
acknowledges  obligations. 

H.  E.  Spence. 

Trinity  College, 

Durham,  N.  C. 


GENERAL  OUTLINE 

The  Roman  numerals  in  parenthesis  at  the  right  indi¬ 
cate  the  “Studies”  in  which  these  topics  are  treated. 

I.  Introduction  to  Bible  Study  : 

1.  The  Bible  and  how  we  got  it  (I). 

2.  Why  and  how  we  should  study  the  Bible  (II). 

II.  The  Old  Testament: 

1.  The  beginning  of  things  (III). 

2.  The  history  of  the  Hebrews : 

a.  The  patriarchal  period  (IV-V). 

b.  Egypt  and  the  Exodus  (VI-XII). 

c.  The  occupation  of  Canaan  (XIII). 

d.  The  period  of  the  Judges  (XIV-XV). 

e.  The  rise  and  growth  of  the  monarchy : 

(1)  Samuel  (XVI). 

(2)  Saul  (XVII). 

(3)  David  (XVIII-XIX). 

(4)  Solomon  (XX). 

f.  The  division  of  the  kingdom  (XXII). 

g.  The  history  of  Israel  to  the  fall  of  the 

kingdom : 

(1)  Elijah  (XXIII). 

(2)  Elisha  (XXIV). 

(3)  Hebrew  codes  of  law  (XXV). 

(4)  Notable  kings  (XXVI). 

h.  The  history  of  Judah  to  the  fall  of  the 

kingdom  (XXVII-XXVIII). 

i.  The  exile  and  return  (XXIX-XXX)  : 

(1)  Daniel. 

(2)  Esther. 

(3)  Ezra. 

(4)  Nehemiah. 

[5] 


3.  The  literature  of  the  Hebrews : 

a.  The  Prophets  ( XXXII)  : 

(1)  Assyrian  (XXXIII-XXXV). 

(2)  Chaldean  and  Exilic  (XXXVI-XL) 

(3)  Post-Exilic  (XLI). 

b.  Hebrew  classics  (XLIII)  : 

(IT  Poetry  (XLIV-XLIX). 

(2)  Wisdom  Literature  (L-LVI). 

III.  Between  the  Testaments  (LVIII). 

IV.  The  New  Testament  : 

1.  New  Testament  history : 

a.  The  Gospels  (LIX-LXIX). 

b.  Acts  (LXXI-LXXII;  LXXVII). 

2.  New  Testament  Literature  : 

a.  The  Epistles  (LXXIII-LXXVI; 

LXXVIII-LXXXH) 

b.  The  Revelation  (LXXXIII-LXXXIV). 


STUDY  I 

THE  BIBLE  AND  HOW  WE  GOT  IT 


I.  The  Bible  as  a  Body  of  Literature  : 

1.  The  contents  of  the  Bible,  66  books: 
a.  Contents  of  the  Old  Testament: 

(1)  Law .  5 

Genesis,  Exodus,  Leviticus,  Numbers, 
Deuteronomy. 

(2)  History .  12 

Joshua,  Judges,  Ruth,  I  Samuel,  II 
Samuel,  I  Kings,  II  Kings,  I  Chron¬ 
icles,  II  Chronicles,  Ezra,  Nehemiah, 

Esther. 

(3)  Poetry .  5 

Job,  Psalms,  Proverbs,  Ecclesiastes, 

Song  of  Solomon. 

(4)  Prophecy .  17 


Isaiah,  Jeremiah,  Lamentations,  Eze¬ 
kiel,  Daniel,  Hosea,  Joel,  Amos, 
Obadiah,  Jonah,  Micah,  Nahum,  Ha- 
bakkuk,  Zephaniah,  Haggai,  Zechariah, 


Malachi. 

b.  Contents  of  the  New  Testament : 

( 1 )  Historical .  5 

Matthew,  Mark,  Luke,  John,  Acts. 

(2)  Doctrinal . 21 


Romans,  I  Corinthians,  II  Corinthians, 
Galatians,  Ephesians,  Philippians,  Co- 
lossians,  I  Thessalonians,  II  Thessa- 
lonians,  I  Timothy,  II  Timothy,  Titus, 
Philemon,  Hebrews,  James,  I  Peter, 

II  Peter,  I  John,  II  John,  III  John, 

Jude. 

(3)  Apocalyptic .  1 

Revelation.  _ _ 


66 


[7] 


2.  Kinds  of  literature  in  the  Bible : 

a.  Prophetic. 

b.  Wisdom. 

c.  Devotional. 

d.  Legal. 

e.  Historical. 

f.  Epistolary. 

g.  Apocalyptic. 

II.  The  Bible  as  a  Record  of  Divine  Revelation: 

1.  The  inspiration  of  the  Bible. 

2.  Evidences  of  a  divine  element : 

a.  Its  unity. 

b.  Its  effect  on  the  human  heart  and  con- 

science. 

c.  Its  permanent  qualities. 

III.  How  We  Got  Our  Bible: 

1.  The  growth  of  the  Canon  of  Scripture  : 

a.  The  origin  and  growth  of  Old  Testament 

Canon : 

( 1 )  The  Law. 

(2)  The  Prophets. 

(3)  The  Writings. 

b.  The  origin  and  growth  of  the  New  Testa¬ 

ment  Canon. 


2.  The  transmission  of  the  Bible  : 

a.  The  transmission  of  the  Old  Testament. 

b.  The  transmission  of  the  New  Testament. 


3.  Important  translations  of  the  Bible : 

a.  Chief  early  translations  : 

( 1 )  The  Septuagint. 

(2)  The  Targums, 

(3)  The  Peshito. 

(4)  The  Vulgate. 

b.  Early  Anglo-Saxon  translations.  Note 

the  work  of : 

(1)  Csedmon. 

(2)  Bede. 

(3)  2Elfric. 

c.  Notable  English  translations  : 

(1)  Wycliffe. 

(2)  Tyndale. 

(3)  Coverdale. 

(4)  Cromwell. 

(5)  The  Authorized  Version. 

(6)  The  Revised  Versions. 

(7)  The  Bible  in  modern  speech. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  Bible  as  a  library. 

2.  The  tests  which  the  Bible  has  stood. 

3.  The  meaning  of  inspiration. 

4.  The  meaning  of  “Canon  of  Scripture.” 

5.  The  reasons  for  the  various  translations  of  the 

Bible. 

6.  The  relative  value  of  the  different  translations 

now  in  use. 


[9] 


STUDY  II 

WHY  AND  HOW  WE  SHOULD  STUDY  THE  BIBLE 

I.  Why  We  Should  Study  the  Bible  : 

1.  Because  of  its  great  influence  on  the  past. 

2.  Because  of  its  literary  excellence. 

3.  Because  of  its  value  in  the  study  of  literature. 

4.  Because  of  its  religious  value  : 

a.  It  furnishes  a  comprehensive  vision  of 

God. 

b.  It  gives  a  keen  insight  into  human  na¬ 

ture. 

5.  Because  of  its  permanent  religious  significance : 

a.  Old  Testament: 

(1)  An  insight  into  the  nature  of  God. 

(2)  A  view  of  remarkable  characters  and 

personalities. 

(3)  Lofty  devotional  literature. 

(4)  Application  of  religion  to  life. 

b.  New  Testament : 

(1)  God  as  revealed  in  Jesus. 

(2)  Instruction  in  spirituality. 

(3)  Inspiration  in  time  of  trouble. 

II.  How  We  Should  Study  the  Bible: 

1.  The  value  of  having  a  method  of  Bible  study: 

a.  Mere  reading  is  not  study. 

b.  Danger  of  unsystematic  study. 


[10] 


2.  Various  methods’  of  study: 

a.  The  literary  method. 

b.  The  devotional  method  : 

( 1 )  Study  by  topics. 

(2)  Study  by  characters. 

(3)  Study  by  books. 

c.  The  critical  method. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  influence  of  the  Bible  on  literature  and  art. 

2.  The  influence  of  the  Bible  in  moral  reforms. 

3.  Thef  dangers  of  unsystematic  and  unintelligent  Bible 

study. 


STUDY  III 

THE  BEGINNING  OF  THINGS 
Assignment :  Genesis  1-11. 

I.  Story  of  Creation.  Give  Order  and  Steps. 

II.  Man  and  His  Relation  to  His  World: 

1.  His  relation  to  God. 

2.  His  relation  to  the  animal  and  vegetable  world. 

3.  His  relation  to  woman. 

III.  The  Origin  and  Development  of  Sin  : 

1.  The  origin  of  sin.  The  temptation  and  fall. 

2.  The  development  of  sin : 

a.  The  first  murder.  Cain  and  Abel. 

b.  The  boasting  murderer.  Lamech. 

c.  Wide-spread  results  of  sin. 

3.  Redemption  by  elimination  of  the  unfit.  The 

flood. 

4.  Sin  reappears  after  the  flood : 

a.  Noah’s  drunkenness. 

b.  The  tower  of  Babel. 

IV.  A  List  of  Beginnings: 

1.  All  created  things. 

2.  The  Sabbath. 

3.  Work. 

4.  Language. 

5.  Sin. 

6.  Suffering. 

7.  Physical  death. 

8.  Clothing. 

9.  Sacrifice. 


[12] 


1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 
9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 


10.  Murder. 

11.  Polygamy. 

12.  Arts. 

13.  Poetry. 

14.  Cities. 

15.  Capital  punishment. 

16.  Drunkenness. 

17.  Different  tongues. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

The  progressive  stages  of  creation. 

Man’s  distinction  from  the  lower  animals. 
Woman’s  place  in  the  early  world. 

The  nature  of  the  first  sin. 

The  image  of  God. 

The  curse  of  work  and  suffering. 

The  serpent  in  Oriental  thought. 

The  flood  among  other  peoples. 

Other  creation  stories. 

The  covenant  of  the  rainbow. 

Longevity  among  the  ancients. 

The  significance  of : 

a.  Methuselah. 

b.  Ararat. 

c.  Enoch. 


[13] 


STUDY  IV 

ABRAHAM,  THE  FIRST  OF  THE  PATRIARCHS 
Assignment:  Genesis  12-25:11. 


I.  The  Call  and  Wanderings  of  Abraham: 

1.  The  call  of  Abraham.  (Quote).  See  also  He¬ 

brews  11 : 9-12. 

2.  The  wanderings  of  Abraham : 

a.  Migration  from  Ur  to  Haran. 

b.  From  Haran  to  Canaan. 

(1)  The  promise. 

(2)  The  altar. 

c.  In  Egypt.  Sarah  and  Pharaoh. 

d.  Return  to  Canaan  : 

(1)  Abraham  and  Lot. 

(2)  The  renewal  of  the  promise. 

II.  Abraham's  Settled  Life  in  Canaan  : 

1.  The  raid  on  Sodom. 

2.  Meeting  with  Melchizedek. 

3.  Abraham’s  vision. 

4.  Sarah  and  Hagar. 

5.  Covenant  of  the  circumcision. 

6.  The  visit  of  the  angels. 

7.  The  destruction  of  Sodom. 

8.  Abimelech  and  Sarah. 

9.  Isaac  and  Ishmael. 

10.  The  offering  of  Isaac. 

11.  The  burial  of  Sarah. 

12.  Betrothal  of  Isaac. 

13.  Death  of  Abraham. 


[14] 


TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  significance  of  Abraham’s  migration. 

2.  Visions  among  the  Orientals. 

3.  “A  priest  after  the  order  of  Melchizedek.” 

4.  Oriental  hospitality. 

5.  Circumcision  as  a  religious  rite. 

6.  Sarah,  the  defender  of  the  home. 

7.  Human  sacrifice  in  ancient  times. 

8.  Machpelah,  the  first  family  burying-ground. 

9.  Consanguineous  marriage. 

10.  The  character  of  Abraham.  Illustrate : 

a.  Faithful. 

b.  Unselfish. 

c.  Generous. 

d.  Magnanimous. 

e.  Religious. 

f.  Sympathetic. 

11.  Tithing. 


[15] 


STUDY  V 


ISAAC  AND  JACOB 
Assignment:  Genesis  25:12-37 . 

I.  The  Career  of  Isaac  : 

1.  The  birth  of  Jacob  and  Esau. 

2.  Esau  sells  his  birthright. 

3.  Isaac  receives  the  divine  promise. 

4.  Isaac  and  Abimelech. 

5.  Isaac’s  prosperity. 

6.  The  stolen  blessing. 

7.  The  death  of  Isaac.  See  Genesis  35  :  27-29. 

II.  The  Wanderings  of  Jacob  : 

1.  The  flight  to  Haran  : 

a.  The  vision  at  Bethel. 

b.  The  pillar  set  up. 

c.  The  vow. 

2.  The  sojourn  with  Laban  : 

a.  The  meeting  with  Rachel. 

b.  Employment  as  shepherd. 

c.  An  ancient  love  story. 

d.  The  birth  of  Jacob’s  children. 

e.  Jacob  outwits  Laban  in  trade. 

3.  Jacob  leaves  Laban  : 

a.  The  flight  and  pursuit. 

b.  The  reconciliation  at  Mizpah. 

4.  The  meeting  with  Esau  : 

a.  Jacob  wrestles  with  the  angel. 

b.  The  reconciliation  with  Esau. 


[16] 


5.  Jacob  at  Shechem  : 

a.  Jacob  buys  parcel  of  land. 

b.  Dinah  is  disgraced. 

c.  The  avenging  of  Dinah’s  honor. 

6.  At  Bethel  again  : 

a.  Strange  gods  put  away. 

b.  Jacob’s  name  is  changed. 

c.  The  birth  of  Benjamin  and  the  death  of 

Rachel.  * 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  significance  of  the  birthright  among  the  an¬ 

cients. 

2.  The  character  of  Isaac. 

3.  Polytheism  in  the  time  of  Jacob. 

4.  The  character  of  Jacob. 

5.  The  beginnings  of  private  property. 

6.  Primogeniture  among  the  ancients  : 

a.  In  authority. 

b.  In  property. 

c.  In  marriage. 

7.  The  place  of  woman  among  the  ancient  Hebrews. 


STUDY  VI 

JOSEPH  AND  HIS  BRETHREN 
Assignment:  Genesis  37-50. 

I.  Joseph  in  Canaan  : 

1.  Joseph  and  his  dreams. 

2.  The  jealousy  of  Joseph’s  brethren. 

3.  The  visit  to  his  brethren  and  the  results. 

II.  Joseph  in  Prison  in  Egypt  : 

1.  A  slave  in  the  house  of  Potiphar. 

2.  Joseph  interprets  dreams  in  prison : 

a.  The  butler’s  dream. 

b.  The  baker’s  dream. 

III.  Joseph’s  Release  and  Promotion  : 

1.  Joseph  interprets  Pharaoh’s  dream. 

2.  Joseph  becomes  prime  minister  : 

a.  Takes  charge  of  Pharaoh's  house. 

b.  Conserves  food  against  the  famine. 

c.  Marries  the  daughter  of  an  Egyptian 

priest. 

IV.  Jacob’s  Appeal  to  Egypt  : 

1.  Famine  in  Canaan: 

a.  The  first  trip  to  Egypt  for  food : 

( 1 )  The  accusation  as  spies. 

(2)  The  demand  for  Benjamin. 

(3)  The  return  of  the  money. 


[18] 


b.  The  second  trip  to  Egypt : 

(1)  The  feast  in  honor  of  Benjamin. 

(2)  The  trumped  up  charge  against  Ben¬ 

jamin. 

(3)  Judah’s  eloquent  plea. 

(4)  Joseph  reveals  himself  to  his  brethren. 

2.  Jacob’s  household  is  transferred  to  Egypt : 

a.  The  meeting  of  Joseph  and  Jacob. 

b.  The  Israelites  settle  in  Goshen. 

V.  Last  Days  of  Jacob  and  Joseph  : 

1.  Jacob’s  blessing : 

a.  Blesses  Joseph’s  sons. 

b.  Blesses  his  own  sons. 

2.  Jacob’s  death  and  burial. 

3.  Joseph’s  last  days  : 

a.  Joseph  is  feared  by  his  brethren. 

b.  Joseph  reassures  his  brethren. 

c.  Joseph  dies  and  is  embalmed. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  importance  placed  upon  paternal  blessings. 

2.  The  character  of  Joseph. 

3.  Famine  in  the  east. 

4.  Ancient  Egypt  as  the  granary  of  the  world. 

5.  Migrations  of  ancient  peoples. 


[19] 


STUDY  VII 

THE  EARLY  LIFE  OF  MOSES 
Assignment:  Exodus  1-10. 

I.  Israel  in  Slavery  : 

1.  The  cause  of  the  slavery. 

2.  Murder  of  the  male  children. 

II.  The  Childhood  and  Youth  of  Moses: 

1.  The  birth  and  preservation  of  Moses. 

2.  The  education  of  Moses.  See  Acts  7  : 22. 

3.  The  crime  and  exile. 

III.  Moses  in  Midian  : 

1.  Romance  in  Midian. 

4  P  ' 

2.  The  burning  bush.  * 

3.  The  call  of  Moses.  See  also  Hebrews  11 : 23- 

28.  (Quote)  : 

a.  God’s  command  to  Moses. 

b.  The  signs  of  success : 

( 1 )  The  rod  changed  to  a  serpent. 

(2)  The  leprous  hand. 

c.  Moses  pleads  slowness  of  speech. 

d.  Aaron  is  sent  as  spokesman. 

IV.  Moses’  First  Appeal  to  Pharaoh  : 

1.  The  request  for  the  liberation  of  the  Israelites. 

2.  Pharaoh  increases  their  tasks. 

3.  Jehovah’s  assurance  of  success ;  the  rod  turns 

to  a  serpent. 


[20] 


4.  The  sending  of  the  plagues  and  the  result: 

a.  Blood,  no  effect. 

b.  Frogs,  Pharaoh  relents  temporarily. 

c.  Lice,  no  effect. 

d.  Flies,  Pharaoh  again  relents  temporarily. 

e.  Murrain,  no  effect. 

f.  Boils,  no  effect. 

g.  Hail,  Pharaoh  relents  temporarily. 

h.  Locusts,  Pharaoh  again  relents. 

i.  Darkness,  again  the  king  relents. 

j.  Death  of  the  first  born,  result  deliverance. 

5.  Pharaoh  refuses  to  see  Moses  again. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  change  of  attitude  toward  the  Israelites. 

2.  The  religion  of  Egypt  in  the  time  of  Moses. 

3.  The  education  of  Moses. 

4.  The  call  of  Moses  and  the  part  his  mother  played 

in  it. 

5.  Magic  among  the  Orientals. 

6.  The  hardening  of  Pharaoh’s  heart. 

7.  The  plagues  as  an  insult  to  Egyptian  religion. 

a.  The  Nile. 

b.  Cattle. 


[21  ] 


STUDY  VIII 

FROM  EGYPT  TO  SINAI 
Assignment:  Exodus  11-18.  . 

I.  The  Institution  of  the  Passover: 

1.  Preparation  for  the  tenth  plague  : 

a.  Borrowing  from  the  Egyptians. 

b.  Sprinkling  of  door  posts  with  blood. 

2.  The  Feast  of  the  Passover : 

a.  Method  of  observing. 

b.  Significance  of. 

II.  The  Tenth  Plague: 

1.  The  nature  of  the  plague. 

2.  The  effect  of  the  plague. 

III.  The  Exodus: 

1.  The  march  to  the  sea  : 

a.  The  journey  in  the  wilderness. 

b.  The  signs  of  Jehovah’s  presence  : 

(1)  The  pillar  of  cloud. 

(2)  The  pillar  of  fire. 

c.  Pharaoh  pursues  the  Israelites. 

d.  The  Israelites  cry  to  Jehovah. 

2.  The  crossing  of  the  Red  Sea : 

a.  Assurance  of  deliverance. 

b.  The  waters  are  divided,  and  the  Israel¬ 

ites  cross. 

c.  The  Egyptians  are  drowned. 

3.  The  song  of  deliverance. 


[22] 


IV.  From  the  Red  Sea  to  Sinai  : 

1.  Difficulties  of  nomadic  life : 

a.  Food  and  drink. 

b.  Warfare. 

2.  Ways  of  meeting  these  difficulties: 

a.  Drink  furnished : 

(1)  By  making  Marah’s  bitter  waters 
sweet. 

(2)  At  the  spring  of  Elim. 

(3)  By  smiting  the  rock  Horeb. 

b.  Food  furnished : 

(1)  Quails  in  the  evening. 

(2)  Manna  in  the  morning. 

c.  Enemies  overcome : 

(1)  Joshua  fights. 

(2)  Moses  prays. 

(3)  Aaron  and  Hur  support  Moses. 

3.  Jethro  and  the  new  organization. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  ethics  of  spoiling  the  Egyptians. 

2.  The  importance  of  the  Passover  to  the  Jews. 

3.  The  significance  of  carrying  back  Joseph’s  bones. 

4.  God  as  represented  in  Miriam’s  song. 


[23] 


STUDY  IX 

ISRAEL  AT  SINAI 
Assignment:  Exodus  19-34. 

I.  Early  Events  at  Sinai  : 

1.  Jehovah  appears  to  Moses  in  the  mount: 

a.  The  appearance  of  the  mountain. 

b.  The  fear  of  the  people. 

2.  The  people  make  a  covenant  with  Jehovah. 

II.  The  Ten  Commandments: 

1.  Commandments  concerning  right  relations  with 

God: 

a.  No  other  gods. 

b.  No  graven  images. 

c.  Respect  for  God’s  name. 

d.  Respect  for  God’s  day. 

2.  Commandments  concerning  right  relations  with 

men : 

a.  Respect  for  parents. 

b.  Against  murder. 

c.  Against  adultery. 

d.  Against  theft. 

e.  Against  false  witness. 

f.  Against  covetousness. 

III.  The  Book  of  the  Covenant: 

1.  Judgments  dealing  with  civil  and  criminal 
cases : 

a.  The  rights  of  slaves. 

b.  Assaults. 

c.  Laws  regarding  domestic  animals. 


[24] 


d.  Responsibility  for  property. 

e.  Social  purity. 

2.  Religious  and  humane  laws  : 

a.  Kindness. 

b.  Justice. 

c.  Duties  to  God. 

d.  Sacred  seasons : 

( 1 )  Feast  of  unleavened  bread. 

(2)  Feast  of  the  harvest. 

(3)  Feast  of  tabernacles. 

IV.  The  Tabernacle  : 

1.  The  Holy  of  Holies: 

a.  Ark. 

b.  Mercy  seat. 

c.  Cherubim. 

2.  Holy  place : 

a.  Altar  of  incense. 

b.  Table  and  vessels. 

c.  Candlestick  and  vessels. 

3.  Court : 

a.  Great  altar. 

b.  Laver  of  brass. 

c.  Priests’  garments. 

V.  The  Golden  Calf: 

1.  The  calf  made  in  Moses’ absence. 

2.  The  punishment  for  the  sin. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  social  significance  of  the  Ten  Commandments. 

2.  The  gradual  development  of  Hebrew  law. 

3.  The  significance  of  the  Hebrew  feasts. 

4.  The  significance  of  the  Tabernacle. 


[25] 


STUDY  X 

REVIEW 
Study  I 

1.  Name  the  books  of  the  Bible  according  to 

groups,  history,  etc. 

2.  Discuss  the  various  kinds  of  literature  in  the 

Bible. 

3.  Discuss  the  Bible  as  a  record  of  divine  inspi¬ 

ration. 

Study  II 

1.  Indicate  the  chief  reasons  for  the  study  of  the 

Bible. 

2.  Discuss  the  permanent  religious  elements  of 

the  Bible. 

Study  III 

1.  Give  the  order  and  steps  of  creation. 

2.  Discuss  Genesis  as  a  book  of  beginnings. 

3.  Discuss  the  origin  and  development  of  sin. 

4.  Tell  the  story  of  Noah  and  his  activities. 

Study  IV 

1.  Describe  the  call  of  Abraham,  and  state  the 

significance  of  his  migration. 

2.  Tell  the  story  of  Abraham  and  Hagar. 

3.  Outline  Abraham’s  character.  Illustrate. 

4.  Tell  the  story  of  the  offering  of  Isaac. 

5.  Give  an  account  of  the  betrothal  of  Isaac. 

Study  V 

1.  Tell  the  story  of  the  stolen  blessing. 

2.  Tell  the  story  of  Jacob’s  first  night  away  from 

home. 


[26] 


3.  Give  an  account  of  Jacob’s  stay  with  Laban. 

4.  Discuss  Jacob’s  wrestling  with  the  angel. 

Study  VI 

1.  Write  a  brief  sketch  of  Joseph. 

2.  Discuss  the  importance  of  dreams  among  the 

Orientals. 

3.  Give  the  contents  of  the  various  dreams  in  this 

study. 

Study  VII 

1.  Give  an  account  of  the  childhood  of  Moses. 

2.  Discuss  the  call  of  Moses.  (Quote). 

3.  Name  the  plagues  and  discuss  them  in  the  light 

of  Egyptian  religion. 

Study  VIII 

1.  Discuss  the  Passover  and  its  significance. 

2.  Describe  the  journey  to  the  Red  Sea. 

3.  Tell  about  the  crossing  of  the  sea  and  the  song 

of  deliverance. 

4.  Indicate  the  difficulties  of  nomadic  life  and 

how  they  were  overcome. 

Study  IX 

1.  Quote  the  Ten  Commandments,  and  discuss 

their  social  significance. 

2.  Indicate  the  nature  of  the  laws  contained  in 

the  Book  of  the  Covenant. 

3.  Discuss  the  significance  of  the  Tabernacle. 

4.  Indicate  the  nature  and  importance  of  the 

Hebrew  festivals. 

5.  Tell  about  the  Golden  Calf  and  its  results. 


[27] 


STUDY  XI 

WILDERNESS  WANDERINGS 

Assignment:  Numbers  9:15-14 ;  16,  17 ;  20-25 ;  32,  35. 

I.  The  Advance  from  Sinai: 

1.  The  fire  and  the  cloud. 

2.  The  trumpets. 

3.  Morning  and  evening  prayer.  See  Numbers 

10 : 35-36. 

4.  Farewell  to  Hobab. 

II.  Difficulties  and  Ways  of  Meeting  Them: 

1.  Murmuring  and  punishment. 

2.  Seventy  elders  appointed  to  help  Moses. 

3.  Manna  and  quails  sent. 

4.  The  plague. 

5.  Envy  and  its  punishment. 

III.  The  Sending  of  the  Spies: 

1.  The  spies  and  their  mission. 

2.  The  return  and  reports. 

3.  Effect  of  the  reports. 

4.  The  penalty  for  lack  of  faith. 

IV.  Further  Events  of  the  Journey  : 

1.  Korah’s  revolt  and  its  punishment. 

2.  The  choosing  of  a  high  priest. 

3.  Moses  oversteps  his  authority. 

4.  Trouble  with  the  Edomites. 

5.  Death  of  Aaron. 

6.  The  fiery  serpent. 


[28] 


V.  The  Story  of  Balaam  : 

1.  The  story. 

2.  The  prophecy. 

VI.  Final  Phases  of  Wilderness  Wanderings 

1.  Sin  and  its  punishment. 

2.  Joshua  succeeds  Moses. 

3.  The  allotment  of  the  tribes. 

4.  The  cities  of  refuge. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Moses  as  a  leader. 

2.  The  effect  of  the  reports  of  the  spies. 

3.  The  cause  of  Moses’  deposition. 

4.  The  religious  significance  of  the  fiery  serpent. 

5.  The  prophecy  of  Balaam. 

6.  Caleb  and  his  reward. 

7.  Justice  among  primitive  peoples. 


[29] 


STUDY  XII 

THE  FAREWELL  AND  DEATH  OF  MOSES 
Assignment:  Deuteronomy  1-11 ;  28-34. 

I.  Moses'  Announcement  of  His  Deposition  : 

1.  Review  of  past  forty  years: 

a.  The  wilderness  journey  to  Kadesh-Barnea. 

b.  The  sending  of  the  spies  and  the  result. 

c.  The  battle  with  the  Amorites. 

d.  The  destruction  of  Sihon  and  Og. 

e.  Joshua  announced  as  Moses’  successor. 

2.  Various  exhortations : 

a.  Keep  the  statutes. 

b.  Remember  the  Lord. 

II.  The  Delivery  of  the  Covenant: 

1.  Restatement  of  the  Ten  Commandments. 

2.  Exhortation  to  observe  and  teach  them. 

3.  Warning  against  contamination  with  the 

heathen. 

4.  Promise  of  success  if  faithful. 

5.  Reminder  of  God’s  providence  in  the  wilder¬ 

ness. 

6.  Reminder  of  sin  and  punishment  in  the  wilder¬ 

ness. 

7.  The  promise  of  happiness  in  the  new  land. 

III.  The  Rehearsal  of  the  Blessing  and  the 

Curse  : 

1.  The  reward  of  faithfulness: 

a.  Plenty. 

b.  Prestige. 

c.  Power. 


[30] 


2.  Punishment  for  unfaithfulness  : 

a.  Defeat. 

b.  Disgrace. 

c.  Despair. 

d.  Destruction. 

IV.  The  Covenant  in  the  Land  of  Moab: 

1.  Reminder  of  God’s  goodness. 

2.  The  greatness  of  the  new  covenant. 

3.  The  new  covenant. 

4.  Words  of  encouragement  to  Israel  and  Joshua. 

V.  The  Song  of  Moses: 

1.  Preface. 

2.  The  song  itself. 

VI.  The  Last  Words  of  Moses. 

VII.  The  Death  of  Moses: 

1.  Moses  views  the  Promised  Land. 

2.  Moses  dies  and  is  buried. 

3.  The  days  of  mourning  for  Moses. 

4.  The  estimate  of  Moses’  greatness. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Moses  as  an  orator. 

2.  The  two  versions  of  the  Ten  Commandments. 

3.  The  Hebrew  idea  of  religious  education. 

4.  The  fearfulness  of  the  curse  for  unfaithfulness. 

5.  The  new  covenant. 

6.  Moses’  conception  of  God. 

7.  The  last  words  of  Moses. 

8.  The  greatness  of  Moses. 


[31] 


STUDY  XIII 

THE  CONQUEST  OF  CANAAN 
Assignment:  Joshua  1-11;  23,  24. 

I.  The  New  Leader: 

1.  Joshua’s  past  record  ;  review  : 

a.  Leads  Israel  against  Amalek. 

b.  Accompanies  Moses  to  Sinai. 

c.  Spies  out  the  land  of  Canaan. 

d.  Succeeds  Moses  as  leader. 

2.  God’s  promise  to  Joshua. 

3.  The  tribes  pledge  allegiance. 

II.  Early  Events  of  the  Conquest  : 

1.  The  spies  are  protected  by  Rahab. 

2.  The  crossing  of  the  Jordan. 

3.  The  siege  of  Jericho. 

4.  The  siege  of  Ai. 

5.  The  sin  of  Achan  : 

a.  Its  nature. 

b.  Its  effect. 

c.  Its  punishment. 

6.  The  building  of  the  altar  in  Ebal. 

III.  The  Southern  Campaign: 

1.  The  terror  stricken  nations. 

2.  The  Gibeonite  embassy. 

3.  The  conspiracy  against  Gibeon. 

4.  The  Battle  of  Gibeon : 

a.  Joshua’s  prayer. 

b.  The  slaughter  of  the  five  kings. 


[32] 


5.  Further  conquests : 

a.  Makkedah. 

b.  Libnah. 

c.  Lachish. 

d.  Eglon. 

e.  Hebron. 

f.  The  south  country. 

IV.  The  Northern  Campaign  : 

1.  The  northern  alliance. 

2.  Jehovah’s  assurance  of  victory. 

3.  The  victory  at  Merom. 

4.  The  extermination  of  the  Canaanites. 

V.  Joshua’s  Farewell  : 

1.  Review  of  their  history. 

2.  Reminder  of  God’s  goodness. 

3.  Exhortation  to  fidelity. 

4.  The  choice  of  the  people. 

5.  The  stone  of  witness. 

6.  The  death  of  Joshua. 

7.  The  bprial  of  Joseph’s  bones. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  character  of  Joshua. 

2.  The  faith  of  Rahab.  See  Hebrews  11:31;  James 

2:25. 

3.  The  book  of  Jashar. 

4.  The  destruction  of  the  Canaanites. 


[33] 


STUDY  XIV 

THE  EARLY  PERIOD  OF  THE  JUDGES 
Assignment :  Judges  1-12 

I.  Conditions  at  the  Beginning  of  the  Period: 

1.  Political  conditions. 

2.  Religious  conditions. 

II.  Early  Oppressions  and  Deliverers: 

1.  Mesopotamian  oppression;  Othniel  judge. 

2.  Moabite  oppression;  Ehud  judge. 

3.  Early  Philistine  oppression  ;  Shamgar  judge. 

III.  Canaanite  Oppression;  Deborah  and  Barak 

Judges  : 

1.  The  oppression. 

2.  The  decision  and  call  to  fight. 

3.  The  battle. 

4.  The  death  of  Sisera. 

5.  The  song. 

IV.  The  Midianite  Oppression;  Gideon  Judge: 

1.  The  severity  of  the  oppression. 

2.  The  story  of  Gideon  : 

a.  Scenes  in  the  life  of  Gideon: 

(1)  At  the  flail. 

(2)  At  the  altar. 

(3)  At  the  fleece. 

(4)  At  the  water. 

(5)  At  the  sword. 

(6)  At  the  whip. 

b.  Gideon  causes  Israel  to  sin. 


[34] 


3.  The  crowning  of  Abimelech : 

a.  Abimelech  murders  his  brethren. 

b.  Abimelech  is  made  king. 

c.  Jotham’s  parable. 

d.  Abimelech  is  slain. 

4.  Minor  judges  succeeding  Abimelech  : 

a.  Tola. 

b.  Jair. 

V.  The  Ammonite  Oppression;  Jephthah  Judge: 

1.  The  idolatry  that  led  to  the  oppression. 

2.  The  Ammonites  invade  the  land. 

3.  Jephthah  is  chosen  leader  : 

a.  The  conditions  of  Jephthah’s  acceptance. 

b.  The  message  to  the  Ammonites. 

4.  Jephthah  goes  to  battle : 

a.  The  vow. 

b.  The  battle. 

c.  The  return  home. 

d.  Jephthah  keeps  his  vow. 

e.  The  fight  with  the  Ephraimites. 

f.  Shibboleth. 

5.  Minor  judges  succeeding  Jephthah : 

a.  Ibzan. 

b.  Elon. 

c.  Abdon. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  general  character  of  the  Judges. 

2.  Jael’s  treachery. 

3.  The  character  of  Gideon. 

4.  The  sanctity  of  the  Oriental  vow. 

5.  The  shibboleth  of  a  party. 


[35] 


STUDY  XV 

THE  LATER  PERIOD  OF  THE  JUDGES 
Assignment:  Judges  13-21;  Ruth. 

I.  The  Philistine  Oppression;  Samson  Judge: 

1.  The  birth  of  Samson: 

a.  The  promise  of  the  angel. 

b.  Samson  to  be  a  Nazirite. 

c.  Is  moved  by  the  spirit  of  God. 

2.  Samson  and  the  woman  of  Timnah : 

a.  Samson  kills  the  lion. 

b.  He  weds  the  woman  of  Timnah. 

c.  Samson’s  riddle. 

d.  His  wife  is  taken  from  him. 

e.  The  burning  of  the  cornfields. 

3.  Other  demonstrations  of  Samson’s  strength : 

a.  The  fight  at  Lehi. 

b.  The  gates  of  Gaza. 

4.  Samson  and  Delilah : 

a.  Delilah  seeks  secret  of  Samson’s  strength. 

b.  The  secret  of  his  strength  at  last  revealed. 

c.  Samson  is  captured  by  the  Philistines. 

5.  Samson’s  death. 

II.  Other  Incidents  of  the  Time  of  the  Judges: 

1.  The  Danite  migration : 

a.  Micah  makes  an  image. 

b.  A  Levite  is  secured  as  priest. 

c.  The  migration. 

2.  The  Benjamite  war. 


[36] 


III.  The  Story  of  Ruth  : 

1.  The  migration  to  Moab  : 

*  a.  The  cause  of  the  migration, 

b.  The  alliances  in  Moab. 

2.  The  return  to  Bethlehem  : 

a.  The  decision  to  return. 

b.  Naomi’s  request. 

c.  Ruth’s  reply.  (Quote). 

d.  The  arrival  at  Bethlehem. 

3.  The  romance  in  Bethlehem  : 

a.  Ruth  gleans  in  Boaz’s  field. 

b.  Ruth  makes  advances  to  Boaz. 

c.  Boaz  redeems  the  inheritance. 

d.  Ruth  becomes  the  wife  of  Boaz. 

e.  Ruth  becomes  the  grandmother  of  David. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  tragic  guilt  of  Samson. 

2.  The  Nazirite’s  vow. 

3.  The  character  of  Samson. 

4.  The  purpose  of  the  Book  of  Ruth. 

5.  Religion  during  the  time  of  the  Judges. 

6.  The  spirit  of  Ruth. 


[37] 


STUDY  XVI 


THE  RISE  AND  DEVELOPMENT  OF  THE  KINGDOM; 
FROM  THE  BIRTH  OF  SAMUEL  TO  THE  ANOINT¬ 
ING  OF  DAVID 

Assignment :  I  Samuel  1-15. 

I.  The  Rule  of  Samuel  : 

1.  The  birth  of  Samuel: 

a.  Hannah’s  prayer  and  vow. 

b.  Eli’s  rebuke. 

c.  The  dedication  to  the  Lord. 

d.  Hannah’s  thanksgiving. 

2.  The  call  of  Samuel  and  doom  of  Eli : 

a.  The  corruptness  of  Eli’s  sons. 

b.  Eli’s  inability  to  control  his  sons. 

c.  The  warning  of  the  man  of  God. 

d.  The  call  of  Samuel. 

e.  Israel’s  defeat  in  battle  : 

(1)  The  loss  of  the  Ark. 

(2)  The  death  of  Eli’s  sons. 

f.  The  death  of  Eli. 

3.  The  Ark  and  the  Philistines  : 

a.  The  effect  of  the  Ark  in  Philistia: 

(1)  On  Dagon. 

(2)  On  the  people. 

b.  The  Philistines  return  the  Ark : 

(1)  The  guilt  offering. 

(2)  The  fatality  in  Beth-shemesh. 

(3)  The  lodging  of  the  Ark  in  Kirjath- 

jearim. 

4.  Samuel  as  judge  : 

a.  The  assembly  at  Mizpah. 

b.  The  defeat  of  the  Philistines. 

c.  Samuel  as  circuit  judge. 

[38] 


II.  The  Reign  of  Saul  : 

1.  The  people  demand  a  king : 

a.  The  cause  of  the  demand : 

(1)  Samuel  too  old  to  judge. 

(2)  Samuel’s  sons  prove  incompetent. 

(3)  Other  nations  have  kings. 

b.  Samuel’s  response  to  the  demand. 

2.  Saul  is  anointed  king. 

3.  Early  incidents  in  the  reign  of  Saul : 

a.  Saul  rescues  Jabesh-Gilead. 

b.  Samuel  makes  a  final  speech : 

(1)  Justifies  himself. 

(2)  Urges  loyalty  to  Jehovah. 

c.  Saul  offers  sacrifice. 

4.  The  raid  on  Michmash : 

a.  Jonathan  saves  the  day. 

b.  Jonathan  violates  the  king’s  command. 

c.  The  people  save  Jonathan’s  life. 

5.  The  breach  between  Saul  and  Samuel : 

a.  The  fight  against  Amalek. 

b.  The  violated  orders. 

c.  Samuel  deserts  Saul. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  call  of  Samuel. 

2.  Jehovah  as  a  god  of  war. 

3.  The  beginning  of  the  order  of  the  prophets. 

4.  The  ethics  of  Samuel’s  treatment  of  Agag. 

5.  The  character  of  Samuel. 


[39] 


STUDY  XVII 


THE  RISE  AND  DEVELOPMENT  OF  THE  KINGDOM ; 
FROM  THE  ANOINTING  OF  DAVID  TO  THE  DEATH 

OF  SAUL 

Assignment :  I  Samuel  16-11  Samuel  1.  < 

I.  Saul  and  David  : 

1.  The  anointing  of  David. 

2.  David  becomes  court  musician. 

3.  David  and  Goliath  : 

a.  Goliath  defies  Israel. 

b.  David  visits  the  camp  of  Israel. 

c.  David  decides  to  fight  the  giant : 

(1)  Inquires  as  to  the  reward. 

(2)  Seeks  permission  of  the  king. 

(3)  Tries  Saul’s  armor. 

d.  David  kills  Goliath. 

4.  Saul’s  jealousy  is  aroused  : 

a.  The  song  of  welcome. 

b.  An  evil  spirit  seizes  Saul. 

5.  Saul  gives  David  Michal  for  wife : 

a.  Saul’s  motive  in  giving  Michal  to  David. 

b.  Michal’s  attitude  toward  David  : 

(1)  Loves  him. 

(2)  Later  helps  him  to  escape. 

II.  David  and  Jonathan  : 

1.  Jonathan  intercedes  in  behalf  of  David. 

2.  David  and  Jonathan  make  a  covenant. 

3.  Jonathan  informs  David  of  the  plots  against 

him. 


[40] 


III.  David  as  an  Outlaw  : 

1.  At  Nob: 

a.  Receives  shew-bread. 

b.  Secures  Goliath’s  sword. 

c.  Saul’s  vengeance. 

2.  At  Gath : 

a.  Fears  the  Philistines. 

b.  Feigns  madness. 

3.  At  Adullam : 

a.  Family  meets  him  there. 

b.  Malcontents  rally  to  his  standard. 

4.  At  Keilah : 

a.  Fights  the  Philistines. 

b.  Is  pursued  by  Saul. 

5.  At  Engedi : 

a.  David  spares  Saul. 

b.  Saul  is  penitent. 

6.  Samuel  dies  and  is  buried. 

7.  David  and  Abigail : 

a.  Nabal  refuses  David  assistance. 

b.  Abigail  intercedes. 

c.  Nabal  dies  and  David  marries  Abigail. 

8.  David  again  spares  Saul’s  life. 

IV.  The  Last  Days  of  Saul: 

1.  Saul  and  the  witch  of  Endor. 

2.  The  death  of  Saul. 

3.  David’s  lament.  (Quote). 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  character  of  Saul. 

2.  The  tragic  guilt  of  Saul. 

3.  The  friendship  of  David  and  Jonathan. 


[41] 


STUDY  XVIII 

THE  REIGN  OF  DAVID 

FROM  HIS  ACCESSION  THROUGH  HIS  GREAT  SIN 
Assignment:  II  Samuel  2-12. 

I.  Early  Events  of  David's  Reign  : 

1.  Accession  to  the  throne  of  Judah : 

a.  David  goes  up  to  Hebron. 

b.  David  is  anointed  king  of  Judah. 

2.  Dual  kingdom  attempted  : 

a.  Abner  appoints  Ish-bosheth  king  of  Israel. 

b.  War  between  Abner  and  Joab : 

( 1 )  The  battle. 

(2)  The  murder  of  Asahel. 

(3 )  The  ensuing  warfare. 

c.  Peace  between  Abner  and  David  : 

(1)  Abner  quarrels  with  Ish-bosheth. 

(2)  Abner  makes  a  league  with  David. 

(3)  Joab  slays  Abner. 

(4)  David  laments  for  Abner. 

II.  The  Consolidation  of  the  Kingdom  : 

1.  The  end  of  the  dynasty  of  Saul : 

a.  Ish-bosheth  is  murdered. 

b.  David  punishes  the  murderers. 

c.  David  adopts  Mephibosheth. 

2.  David  is  made  king  over  all  Israel. 

3.  David  captures  Jerusalem  and  makes  it  his 

capital. 

4.  Friendly  relations  established  with  Hiram, 

King  of  Tyre. 


[42] 


5.  Foreign  conquests  are  made  : 

a.  Philistia. 

b.  Moab. 

c.  Syria. 

d.  Ammon. 

e.  Amalek. 

f.  Zobah. 

6.  The  Ark  is  brought  back  to  Jerusalem : 

a.  Uzzah  is  slain. 

b.  The  Ark  with  Obed-edom. 

c.  David  dances  for  joy. 

d.  Michal  and  David  quarrel. 

7.  David  plans  to  build  the  temple : 

a.  Is  encouraged  by  Nathan. 

b.  Is  forbidden  by  Jehovah. 

c.  David’s  humble  prayer. 

8.  David  shows  kindness  to  the  house  of  Saul. 

III.  David’s  Great  Sin  : 

1.  Adultery  with  Bath-sheba. 

2.  Murder  of  Uriah. 

3.  Bath-sheba  becomes  David’s  wife. 

4.  Nathan’s  rebuke  of  David. 

5.  David’s  penitence. 

6.  The  death  of  the  child. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  David’s  respect  for  the  Lord’s  anointed. 

2.  Why  David  was  not  allowed  to  build  the.  temple. 

3.  David’s  statesmanship  in  bringing  about  the  con¬ 

solidation  of  the  kingdom. 

4.  David’s  cruelty  to  his  enemies. 

5.  Sources  of  David’s  strength. 


[43] 


STUDY  XIX 


THE  REIGN  OF  DAVID 
FROM  HIS  GREAT  SIN  TO  HIS  DEATH 

Assignment :  II  Samuel  13-24. 

The  Rebellion  of  Absalom  : 

1.  Events  leading  up  to  the  rebellion: 

a.  Amnon’s  intrigue  and  sin. 

b.  Absalom’s  feast  and  the  murder  of 

Amnon. 

c.  Absalom’s  flight. 

d.  Joab  brings  Absalom  back  to  Jerusalem. 

e.  David  and  Absalom  become  reconciled. 

f.  Absalom  steals  the  hearts  of  all  Israel. 

2.  The  rebellion : 

a.  Conspiracy  at  Hebron. 

b.  David’s  flight : 

(1)  Ittai. 

(2)  The  Ark  returned. 

(3)  Hushai  sent  back  as  a  spy. 

(4)  Ziba. 

(5)  Shimei. 

c.  Absalom  in  Jerusalem  : 

(1)  Hushai’s  deceit. 

(2)  Ahithophel’s  counsel. 

(3)  Hushai’s  counsel. 

(4)  Ahithophel  hangs  himself. 

(5)  Hushai  sends  David  word. 

d.  The  battle : 

( 1 )  Amasa  leads  Absalom’s  army. 

(2)  Joab  commands  David’s  forces. 

(3)  David’s  charge  in  behalf  of  Absalom. 

(4)  The  death  of  Absalom. 

(5)  The  courier. 

[44] 


e.  David  grieves  for  Absalom  : 

(1)  David’s  lament. 

(2)  Joab  rebukes  David. 

f .  The  restoration  of  peace  : 

( 1 )  David  returns  to  Jerusalem. 

(2)  David  pursues  his  policy  of  clemency. 

(3)  Civil  war  under  Sheba  is  put  down. 

(4)  Joab  murders  Amasa. 

II.  Closing  Events  of  David’s  Reign  : 

1.  The  hanging  of  Saul’s  descendants: 

a.  The  demand  for  their  death. 

b.  David’s  vengeance  on  Merab  (Michal). 

2.  David  buries  the  bones  of  Saul  and  Jonathan. 

3.  Great  men  in  David’s  army. 

4.  David’s  song  of  victory. 

5.  David’s  last  words. 

6.  Numbering  of  the  people  : 

a.  The  taking  of  the  census.  \  ■ 

b.  David  realizes  his  sin. 

c.  God  offers  a  choice  of  punishments. 

d.  David’s  choice. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  sin  of  the  father  visited  on  David’s  children. 

2.  The  character  of  David. 

3.  David’s  love  for  Absalom. 

4.  The  power  of  military  chieftans  in  Israel. 

5.  Popular  voice  in  the  selection  of  kings. 


[45] 


STUDY  XX 

THE  REIGN  OF  SOLOMON 
Assignment :  I  Kings  1-11. 

I.  The  Succession  of  Solomon  : 

1.  The  last  days  of  David : 

a.  David  and  Abishag. 

b.  Adonijah  aspires  to  the  throne. 

c.  Nathan  interferes  on  behalf  of  Solomon. 

d.  Solomon  is  anointed  king. 

e.  Adonijah  submits  to  Solomon. 

f.  David  gives  final  instructions  to  Solomon : 

(1)  To  obey  Jehovah. 

(2)  To  take  vengeance  on  his  foes. 

(3)  To  care  for  his  friends. 

g.  David  dies  and  is  buried. 

2.  The  destruction  of  Solomon’s  enemies : 

a.  Adonijah.  j/ 

b.  Joab. 

c.  Shimei. 

3.  Solomon  forms  an  alliance  with  Egypt. 

II.  Solomon  on  the  Throne  : 

1.  Solomon’s  dream. 

2.  The  judgment  of  Solomon. 

3.  The  widespread  success  of  his  kingdom  : 

a.  The  extent  of  his  kingdom. 

b.  The  wisdom  of  Solomon. 

III.  Solomon  and  the  Temple  : 

1.  The  ancestry  of  the  temple,  or  steps  leading 
up  to  the  temple  ;  a  review  : 
a.  Abel’s  offering. 


[46] 


b.  Noah’s  altar. 

c.  Jacob’s  ‘'House  of  God.” 

d.  Moses’  tabernacle. 

e.  Eli’s  temple  at  Shiloh. 

2.  Building  of  the  temple  : 

a.  Place. 

b.  Materials. 

c.  Construction. 

3.  Plans  of  the  temple  : 

a.  Size. 

b.  Parts. 

4.  Purpose  of  the  temple  : 

a.  Centralize  and  localize  worship. 

b.  Unify  the  people. 

c.  Interpret  Jehovah  to  the  people. 

5.  The  dedication  of  the  temple  : 

a.  Opening  statement. 

b.  Prayer. 

c.  Blessing. 

IV.  Solomon’s  Greatness  : 

1.  Visit  of  the  Queen  of  Sheba. 

2.  Solomon’s  riches. 

V.  Fall  of  Solomon  : 

1.  The  cause. 

2.  The  revolt  of  Jeroboam. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  wisdom  of  Solomon. 

2.  The  temple  in  the  religious  life  of  the  Hebrews. 

3.  The  character  of  Solomon. 

4.  Contributions  of  Saul,  David,  and  Solomon  to  the 

life  of  Israel. 


[47] 


STUDY  XXI 

REVIEW 


Study  XI 

1.  Indicate  the  difficulties  encountered  in  the 

wilderness,  and  show  how  they  were  met. 

2.  Give  an  account  of  the  sending  of  the  spies 

and  their  reports. 

3.  Tell  the  story  of  Balaam. 

Study  XII 

1.  Give  an  account  of  the  last  days  of  Moses. 

2.  Discuss  Moses  as  an  orator. 

3.  Write  a  brief  sketch  of  Moses. 

Study  XIII 

1.  Narrate  the  main  events  in  the  conquest  of 

Canaan. 

2.  Discuss  the  life  and  character  of  Joshua. 

Study  XIV 

1.  Discuss  the  general  political  and  religious  con¬ 

ditions  in  Israel  during  the  time  of  the 
Judges. 

2.  Name  the  chief  oppressions,  and  indicate  the 

way  in  which  relief  was  obtained. 

3.  Name  the  judges,  and  give  the  main  facts  con¬ 

nected  with  the  most  important  ones. 

Study  XV 

1.  Outline  the  career  of  Samson. 

2.  Give  the  story  of  the  Book  of  Ruth. 


[48] 


Study  XVI 


1.  Outline  the  career  of  Samuel,  and  discuss  his 

character. 

2.  Give  the  main  events  in  the  early  reign  of  Saul. 

Study  XVII 

1.  Give  an  account  of  David  and  Goliath. 

2.  Discuss  the  friendship  of  David  and  Jonathan. 

3.  Give  a  brief  account  of  David’s  life  as  an  out¬ 

law. 

4.  Discuss  the  character  of  Saul. 

Study  XVIII 

1.  Give  an  account  of  the  early  reign  of  David. 

2.  Show  how  David  brought  about  the  consolida¬ 

tion  of  the  kingdom. 

3.  Narrate  the  story  of  David’s  great  sin. 

Study  XIX 

1.  Narrate  the  story  of  Absalom,  giving  a  com¬ 

plete  account  of  the  rebellion  and  its  after- 
math. 

2.  Give  the  closing  events  of  David’s  reign. 

3.  Give  an  account  of  David’s  great  men. 

Study  XX 

1.  Narrate  the  main  events  in  the  early  career  of 

Solomon. 

2.  Write  a  complete  account  of  the  temple  and 

its  importance. 

3.  Discuss  the  greatness,  wisdom,  and  weakness 

of  Solomon. 

4.  Indicate  the  specific  contributions  of  Samuel, 

Saul,  David,  and  Solomon  to  the  national 
life  of  Israel. 

[49] 


STUDY  XXII 

THE  DIVIDED  KINGDOM 
Assignment:  I  Kings  12-16. 

I.  The  Disruption  of  the  Kingdom: 

1.  Prophecy  of  disruption  (I  Kings  11:9-13). 

2.  Causes  of  disruption  : 

a.  Old  feeling  of  hatred  between  factions  of 

Saul  and  David. 

b.  Lack  of  unity  caused  by  Solomon’s  for¬ 

eign  alliances. 

c.  Loss  of  faith  caused  by  Solomon’s  idolatry. 

d.  Ahijah’s  encouragement  of  Jeroboam. 

e.  Rehoboam’s  outrageous  demands.  - 

f.  Failure  of  the  people  to  get  relief. 

3.  Extent  of  disruption. 

4.  Rehoboam  attempts  to  keep  his  kingdom : 

a.  Sends  Adoram  to  collect  taxes. 

b.  Threatens  to  fight  Israel. 

c.  Is  dissuaded  by  the  prophet. 

II.  The  Reign  of  Jeroboam  : 

1.  Jeroboam’s  establishment  and  policy: 

a.  Jeroboam  is  crowned  king. 

b.  Shechem  is  made  capital  of  Israel. 

c.  feroboam’s  system  of  worship  :  . 

(1)  Purpose,  & 

(2)  Nature. 

(3)  Location. 

(4)  Creation  of  priesthood. 

(5)  Feast  days  established. 

2.  Jeroboam  comes  into  disfavor: 

a.  Jeroboam  and  the  Man  of  God  from 
Judah  : 

( 1 )  The  prophecy  at  BethdL 
[50] 


(2)  The  fate  of  the  Man  of  God.  — 

(3)  The  prophet  of  Bethel  confirms  the 
warning. 

b.  Ahijah  and  the  wife  of  Jeroboam. 

c.  Death  of  Jeroboam. 

III.  The  Reign  of  Rehoboam  : 

1.  Corrupt  religious  situation: 

a.  Rehoboam’s  mother  an  idolatress. 

b.  Idolatry  prevalent  everywhere. 

c.  Other  sins  and  abominations. 

2.  Rehoboam  gets  into  difficulties  with  Egypt : 

a.  Shishak  despoils  the  temple. 

b.  Rehoboam  substitutes  brass  for  gold. 


IV.  Rehoboam’s  Successors  : 

1.  Abijam : 

a.  Character  of  Abijam. 

b.  War  between  Jeroboam  and  Abijam. 

2.  Asa  :  ^  — . 

a.  Asa’s  godd  reign  : 

(1)  Abolished  idolatry. 

(2)  Removed  his  grandmother  from  being 

queen. 

(3)  Wise  alliance  with  Syria. 

b.  Asa’s  death. 


V.  Jeroboam’s  Successors  : 

1.  Nadab.  4.  Zimri.  j- 

2.  Baasha.  5.  Omri. 

3.  Elah. 


TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Beginning  of  prophetic  interference  in  politics. 

2.  An  early  “strike.” 

3.  Exorbitant  taxation  and  useless  luxury  as  causes 

of  national  unrest. 

[51] 


STUDY  XXIII 

THE  PERIOD  OF  ELIJAH 
Assignment :  I  Kings  17-11  Kings  2:18. 

I.  Ahab  is  King  Over  Israel  : 

1.  The  character  of  Ahab. 

2.  Marries  the  wicked  Queen  Jezebel. 

II.  Elijah  and  Baal  Worship  : 

1.  Elijah  announces  Jehovah  as  the  controller  of 

the  weather : 

a.  The  prophecy  of  the  famine. 

b.  At  the  brook  Cherith. 

c.  At  Zarephath : 

( 1 )  The  oil  and  meal. 

(2)  Restoration  of  the  widow’s  son. 

2.  The  challenge  to  Baal : 

a.  Jehovah  announces  the  end  of  the  drought. 

b.  Elijah  shows  himself  to  Ahab. 

c.  The  challenge  and  test  at  Carmel : 

(1)  The  appeal  to  the  people. 

(2)  The  terms  of  the  test. 

(3)  The  test  and  its  results. 

(4)  The  destruction  of  the  prophets  of 

Baal. 

d.  The  end  of  the  drought. 

III.  Elijah’s  Flight  and  Despondency  : 

1.  The  message  from  Jezebel. 

2.  The  cause  and  cure  of  Elijah’s  despondency: 

a.  The  causes  of  the  despondency : 

( 1 )  Physical  exhaustion. 

(2)  Feeling  of  loneliness. 


[52] 


(3)  Lack  of  work. 

(4)  Reaction  from  Carmel’s  excitement. 
The  cure  for  despondency  : 

(1)  Recruited  strength;  sleep,  rest,  food. 

(2)  Influences  of  nature;  storm,  earth¬ 

quake,  fire. 

(3)  Still  small  voice  of  earnestness. 

(4)  Final  assurance  of  victory. 

(5)  Elijah’s  commission. 


IV. 


Prophets  of  Gc 


V. 


*  3*4^  y-4* 

Ahab  aniI  the  Prophets  o^  God: 

1.  Ben-hadad,  Ahab.  and  the  prophets: 

a.  Ben-hadad’s  demands  of  Ahab. 

b.  The  battle  and  defeat  of  the  Syrians. 

c.  The  covenant  with  Ben-hadad. 

d.  The  prophet’s  rebuke  of  the  king. 

2.  Ahab  and  Elija^Mqliarrel  concerning  Naboth’s 

vineyard  :  ) 

a.  The  king’s  desire.  -&r* 

b.  The  crime. 

c.  The  pronouncement  of  doom. 

3.  Micaiah  and  Ahab  : 

a.  Ahab  plans  to  attack  Ramoth-Gilead. 

b.  Micaiah’s  prophecy. 

c.  The  result  of  the  battle. 

Elijah  During  the  Reign  of  AnfeiAH  : 

1.  Elijah  predicts  Ahaziah’s  death. 

2.  The  destruction  of  the  king’s  men. 

3.  Elijah  is  taken  away. 


TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 


1.  The  fight  against  Baal  worship. 

2.  The  character  of  Elijah. 

3.  The  character  of  Ahab. 

[53] 


STUDY  XXIV 

THE  PERIOD  OF  ELISHA 
Assignment :  II  Kings  2:19-8:15. 

I.  Elisha's  Work  Among  the  Sons  of  the  Proph¬ 

ets  : 

1.  The  call  of  Elisha. 

2  Elisha  visits  the  sons  of  the  prophets  with 
Elijah. 

3.  Elisha  receives  a  “double  portion”  of  Elijah’s 

spirit. 

4.  Wonder-works  connected  with  the  sons  of  the 

prophets : 

a.  The  healing  of  the  waters. 

b.  The  mocking  children. 

c.  The  vessels  of  oil. 

d.  Death  in  the  pot. 

e.  The  feeding  of  the  hundred  men. 

f.  The  axe-head  that  swam. 

II.  Elisha’s  Work  of  a  Political  or  National 

Character  : 

1.  The  water  trenches: 

a.  The  rebellion  of  Moab. 

b.  The  need  of  water. 

c.  Elisha  and  his  prophecy. 

d.  The  defeat  of  Moab. 

2.  Naaman  and  Gehazi : 

a.  Naaman,  the  leper,  hears  of  Elisha. 

b.  The  curing  of  the  leprosy. 

c.  Naaman  believes  in  Jehovah,  j- 

d.  Gehazi’s  sin  and  its  punishment.^ 


// 


[54] 


3.  The  expedition  against  Elisha  : 

a.  Elisha  warns  the  king  against  the  enemy. 

b.  Elisha  is  besieged  in  Dothan. 

c.  The  capture  and  liberation  of  the  Syrians. 

d.  The  result  of  the  kindness  to  the  enemy. 

4.  The  siege  of  Samaria: 

a.  The  horrible  famine  during  the  siege. 

b.  Elisha  prophesies  plenty. 

c.  The  doubting  captain. 

d.  The  prophecy  is  fulfilled. 

e.  The  doubter  dies. 

5.  Hazael’s  visit  to  Elisha. 

III.  Elisha  as  a  Friend,  or  Elisha  in  Private 

Life  : 

E  Elisha  and  the  Shunammite  woman: 

a.  The  prophet’s  chamber. 

b.  The  Shunammite’s  son  : 

(1)  The  child  is  born. 

(2)  Death  of  the  child. 

(3)  The  child  is  restored  to  life. 

2.  The  Shunammite  woman’s  estate  : 

a.  The  estate  is  confiscated  during  her  ab¬ 

sence. 

b.  The  estate  is  restored  to  her  by  the  king. 

IV.  The  Death  of  Elisha,  (See  II  Kings  13:14- 

21). 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Elisha  and  Elijah  contrasted. 

2.  Elisha  as  a  statesman. 

3.  The  invisible  forces  of  the  universe. 

4.  Joash  or  the  “three  battle”  king. 

5.  The  school  of  the  prophets. 

t5S] 


STUDY  XXV 

SOME  HEBREW  CODES  OF  LAW 
Assignment:  Deuteronomy  12-26;  Leviticus  17-26 

I.  The  Deuteronomic  Code  : 

1.  Ceremonial  and  religious  laws  : 

a.  Various  suggestions  as  to  sacrifice. 

b.  Warning  against  idolatry. 

c.  Sumptuary  laws. 

d.  Tithing. 

e.  The  Sabbatical  Year. 

f.  Various  feasts. 

g.  Doom  of  idolaters. 

2.  Appointment  and  duties  of  officials : 

a.  King. 

b.  Priests. 

c.  Levites. 

3.  Criminal  laws : 

a.  Cities  of  refuge. 

b.  Of  witnesses. 

c.  Of  one  found  murdered. 

4.  War  measures : 

a.  Of  entering  battle. 

b.  Of  attacking  cities. 

c.  Of  destroying  fruit  trees. 

d.  Of  captive  women. 

5.  Miscellaneous  measures : 

a.  Domestic. 

b.  Laws  of  purity. 

c.  Neighborly  courtesies. 

d.  Various  customs. 

6.  The  first  born  and  the  triennial  tithe. 


[56] 


II.  The  Law  of  Holiness: 

1.  Sumptuary  laws : 

a.  Eating  of  blood. 

b.  Eating  of  sacrifice. 

c.  Of  things  that  die  a  natural  death. 

2.  Laws  concerning  idolatry : 

a.  Idols. 

b.  Moloch. 

c.  Devils  and  familiar  spirits. 

3.  Personal  purity : 

a.  Forbidden  relationships. 

b.  Bodily  purity. 

4.  Attitude  toward  others  : 

a.  Toward  the  poor. 

b.  Toward  neighbors. 

c.  Toward  strangers. 

5.  Laws  of  sacrifices. 

6.  Feasts  and  holy  days. 

7.  Year  of  Jubilee. 

III.  The  Priestly  Code  : 

1.  Law  of  circumcision  (Genesis  17). 

2.  Law  of  the  Passover  (Exodus  12). 

3.  The  tabernacle  and  its  furniture  (Exodus  25- 

31;  35-40). 

4.  Rites  of  sacrifice  (Leviticus  1-6). 

5.  Laws  of  purification  (Leviticus  11-16). 

6.  Miscellaneous  laws  (Numbers  6,  27,  31,  35). 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  social  significance  of  the  Hebrew  laws. 

2.  The  various  codes  and  the  period  to  which  they 

belong. 

3.  The  significance  of  the  term  “holiness.” 

[57] 


STUDY  XXVI 

THE  LAST  DAYS  OF  ISRAEL 
Assignment :  II  Kings  8 :16-17 :38. 

I.  The  Reign  of  Jehu  : 

1.  The  anointing  and  coronation  of  Jehu: 

a.  The  anointing  of  Jehu. 

b.  The  explicit  orders  of  Jehu. 

c.  The  coronation. 

2.  Jehu  extirpates  the  house  of  Omri : 

a.  The  murder  of  Joram. 

b.  The  murder  of  Ahaziah. 

c.  The  death  of  Jezebel. 

d.  The  murder  of  Ahab’s  seventy  sons  in 

Samaria. 

e.  The  murder  of  the  remainder  of  Ahab’s 

kinsfolk,  friends,  great  men,  and  priests. 

f.  The  murder  of  forty-two  of  Ahaziah’s 

brethren. 

3.  Jehu’s  religious  reform: 

a.  The  murder  .of  priests  of  Ahab. 

b.  The  murder  of  Baal  worshippers. 

c.  The  destruction  of  the  altars  and  house  of 

Baal. 

4.  Jehu’s  failure  and  punishment : 

a.  Retains  golden  calves  of  Jeroboam. 

b.  Walks  not  in  the  law  of  the  Lord. 

c.  Israel  is  punished  by  Hazael. 

d.  Jehu  dies. 


II.  Succeeding  King’s  of  Israel  : 
1.  Jehoahaz : 

a. 

b. 

58 


Character  of  Jehoahaz.ft^X 
Punishment  by  the  Syrians. 


sr  '  - 

2.  Jehoash  (Joash)  : 

a.  Followed  the  sins  of  Jeroboam. 

b.  Visit  to  Elisha. 

c.  Smites  Syria  three  times. 

d.  Jehoash  and  Amaziah. 

3.  Jeroboam  II 

a.  Character. 

b.  Great  service  rendered  Israel : 

(1)  Restores  Israel’s  border. 

(2)  Recovers  other  lost  territory. 

4.  Zechariah. 

5.  Shallum. 

6.  Menahem : 

a.  Pays  tribute  to  Assyria. 

b.  Levies  heavy  tax. 

7.  Pekahiah : 

8.  Pekah : 

a.  Invasion  by  Assyria. 

b.  Preliminary  captivity. 

III.  Fall  of  Israel  : 

1.  Hoshea  last  king  of  Israel: 

a.  Trouble  with  Assyria. 

b.  Conspiracy  with  Egypt. 

c.  Fall  of  Samaria. 

2.  Cause  of  the  downfall  of  Israel. 

3.  Fate  of  the  captives. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 


1.  The  philosophy  of  Israel’s  downfall. 

2.  The  inhabitants  of  Israel  after  the  captivity. 

3.  The  fate  of  the  lost  tribes. 

4.  God’s  goodness  and  Israel’s  sin  (See  II  Kings 

17:7-23). 


STUDY  XXVII 


THE  HISTORY  OF  JUDAH 
FROM  JEHOSHAPHAT  TO  AHAZ 

Assignment :  II  Chronicles  17-28. 

I.  The  Moral  Revival  Under  Jehoshaphat: 

1.  Jehoshaphat’s  reforms : 

a.  Walks  in  the  ways  of  the  Lord. 

b.  Destroys  places  of  Baal  worship. 

c.  Sends  teachers  to  teach  the  law  to  all  the 

people. 

d.  Orders  righteous  judgment  in  the  land. 

e.  Seeks  help  from  Jehovah. 

f.  Praises  Jehovah  for  victory. 

2.  Jehoshaphat’s  foreign  relations  : 

a.  With  Israel. 

b.  With  Philistines  and  Arabians. 

c.  With  Moab,  Ammon,  and  Edom. 

II.  Rulers  from  Jehoshaphat  to  Hezekiah  : 

1.  Jehoram : 

a.  Character  of  Jehoram  : 

(1)  Murders  his  relatives. 

(2)  Walks  in  evil  ways. 

b.  Difficulties  confronting  Jehoram : 

(1)  Subjects  revolt. 

(2)  Dies  diseased  and  despised. 

2.  Ahaziah,  his  character  and  fate. 

3.  Athaliah,  her  character  and  fate. 

4.  Joash : 

a.  Joash’s  good  reign  under  Tehoiada : 

(1)  Repairs  the  temple. 

(2)  Worships  Jehovah. 


[60] 


b.  Joash’s  wicked  reign  after  the  death  of 
Jehoiada  : 

(1)  Returns  to  Baal  worship. 

(2)  Murders  the  Prophet  Zechariah, 

Jehoiada’s  son. 

(3)  Is  defeated  by  the  Syrians. 

(4)  Is  murdered  by  his  servants. 

5.  Amaziah : 

a.  Avenges  his  father’s  murder. 

b.  Makes  war  with  Edom. 

c.  Sets  up  gods  of  Edom  and  worships  them. 

d.  Is  defeated  by  Israel. 

e.  Is  conspired  against  and  slain. 

6.  Uzziah  (Azariah)  : 

a.  Uzziah’s  successful  early  reign : 

(1)  Successful  military  campaigns. 

(2)  Prestige  among  foreign  countries. 

(3)  Internal  improvements. 

(4)  Great  military  inventions. 

b.  Uzziah’s  later  decline  : 

( 1 )  The  sin. 

(2)  The  punishment. 

7.  Ahaz : 

a.  Ahaz’s  religious  career  : 

(1)  Makes  images  of  Baalim. 

(2)  Burns  children  to  Moloch. 

(3)  Robs  and  closes  the  house  of  God. 

b.  Ahaz’s  political  career  : 

(1)  Difficulties  with  Syria  and  Israel. 

(2)  Becomes  entangled  with  Assyria. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  Assyrian  problem  in  Judah. 

2.  The  character  of  Ahaz. 

3.  The  greatness  of  Uzziah. 

4.  Jehoshaphat  as  a  reformer. 

[61] 


STUDY  XXVIII 


THE  HISTORY  OF  JUDAH 
FROM  HEZEKIAH  TO  THE  CAPTIVITY 

Assignment:  II  Chronicles  29:36. 

I.  The  Reign  of  Hezekiah: 

1.  Hezekiah’s  religious  reforms  : 

a.  The  opening,  repairing,  and  sanctifying 

of  the  temple. 

b.  The  restoration  of  religious  services : 

(1)  The  sanctification  of  the  priests  and 

Levites. 

(2)  Provisions  for  sacrifice: 

(a)  Sin  offering. 

(b)  Burnt  offering. 

(c)  Thank  offering. 

(3)  Great  rejoicing  by  king  and  people. 

c.  Observance  of  the  Passover : 

(1)  The  people  throughout  the  kingdom 

are  called. 

(2)  A  generous  response  to  the  call. 

(3)  The  people  observe  the  feast. 

d.  The  destruction  of  idolatry  in  the  land. 

e.  Provision  for  continuous  temple  worship. 

2.  Hezekiah’s  latter  reign  : 

a.  The  invasion  of  Sennacherib  : 

( 1 )  Preparation  for  the  siege  of  Jeru¬ 

salem. 

(2)  Sennacherib  belittles  Jehovah. 

(3)  Hezekiah  and  Isaiah  pray. 

(4)  Jerusalem  is  saved. 

b.  Hezekiah’s  illness. 

c.  Last  works  of  Hezekiah. 


[62] 


II.  Some  Successors  of  Hezekiah  : 

1.  Manasseh.  (See  also  II  Kings  21)  : 

a.  The  anti-religious  movement  in  Judah  : 

(1)  The  nature  of  the  sin: 

(a)  Altars  to  Baal  and  the  host  of 

heaven. 

(b)  Moloch  worship,  burnt  his  own  son. 

(c)  Practiced  augury,  enchantment,  etc. 

(d)  Persecuted  the  faithful. 

(2)  God’s  warning  and  threats. 

b.  Manasseh’s  captivity. 

c.  Manasseh’s  reform. 

2.  Amon. 

3.  Josiah : 

a.  Purification  in  and  out  of  Jerusalem. 

b.  Repair  of  the  temple. 

c.  Discovery  of  the  law. 

d.  Effect  of  the  discovery : 

(1)  Josiah  is  penitent. 

(2)  A  new  covenant  is  made. 

(3)  The  Passover  is  re-instituted. 

(4)  The  land  is  cleansed  of  evil. 

e.  Josiah’s  rashness  and  death. 

III.  The  Last  Days  of  the  Southern  Kingdom  : 

1.  Jehoahaz;  gets  in  trouble  with  Egypt. 

2.  Jehoiakim ;  does  evil  and  is  carried  to  Babylon. 

3.  Jehoiachin  ;  is  taken  captive. 

4.  Zedekiah ;  rebels  against  Babylon ;  captured. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  character  of  Hezekiah. 

2.  The  cause  of  the  downfall  of  Judah. 

3.  The  law  that  was  discovered. 

4.  The  destruction  of  the  Assyrians. 

[63] 


STUDY  XXIX 

INCIDENTS  OF  THE  EXILE 
Assignment:  The  Book  of  Esther ;  Daniel  1-6. 

I.  The  Story  of  Esther: 

1.  Esther  is  made  queen: 

a.  Events  leading  to  the  choice  of  Esther : 

(1)  Ahasuerus  gives  a  great  feast. 

(2)  Vashti  is  ordered  to  show  herself  and 

refuses. 

(3)  Vashti’s  sentence. 

(4)  A  new  queen  is  to  be  chosen. 

b.  Esther  takes  Vashti’s  place : 

(1)  The  king  gives  a  feast. 

(2)  Esther  learns  from  Mordecai  of  a 

plot  against  the  king. 

2.  Haman  plans  to  destroy  the  Jews : 

a.  The  cause  of  Haman’s  hatred. 

b.  Haman  secures  a  decree  from  the  king. 

3.  Esther’s  intercession : 

a.  Mordecai  begs  Esther  to  intercede. 

b.  Esther’s  resolution. 

c.  Esther  finds  favor  with  the  king. 

d.  Haman  and  the  king  are  invited  to  the 

queen’s  banquet. 

e.  Haman  boasts  of  success  and  prepares  a 

gallows  for  Mordecai. 

4.  Haman’s  plot  is  frustrated : 

a.  Mordecai’s  services  are  recalled  and  re¬ 

warded. 

b.  Haman  leads  Mordecai’s  horse  through 

the  streets. 

c.  The  plot  is  exposed  at  the  banquet. 

d.  Haman  is  hanged  on  his  own  gallows. 

[64] 


e.  The  edict  against  the  Jews  is  revoked. 

f.  The  enemies  of  the  Jews  are  destroyed. 

g.  Haman’s  sons  are  destroyed. 

5.  The  origin  of  the  feast  of  Purim. 

t 

II.  Stories  from  Daniel  : 

1.  Daniel  and  the  king’s  meat : 

a.  The  Hebrew  youths  are  chosen  to  eat  at 

the  king’s  table. 

b.  The  request  to  abstain  from  the  king’s 

meat. 

c.  The  result  of  the  test : 

( 1 )  The  simple  diet  proves  superior. 

(2)  The  Hebrews  find  favor  with  the  king. 

2.  The  dream  of  the  image  and  the  stone : 

a.  The  king  dreams  and  forgets  the  dream. 

b.  The  wise  men  fail  to  reveal  the  dream. 

c.  Daniel  reveals  and  interprets  the  dream. 

d.  The  dream  and  the  interpretation. 

e.  Daniel’s  reward. 

3.  The  story  of  the  fiery  furnace: 

a.  The  decree  and  the  refusal. 

b.  The  punishment  and  its  results. 

4.  The  dream  of  the  tree  that  was  cut  down: 

a.  The  dream. 

b.  Its  interpretation. 

c.  Its  fulfillment. 

5.  Belshazzar’s  feast. 

6.  Daniel  and  the  den  of  lions. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  object  of  the  Book  of  Esther. 

2.  The  purpose  of  the  stories  of  the  exile. 

3.  The  nature  of  the  Book  of  Daniel. 


[65] 


STUDY  XXX 

THE  RETURN  FROM  CAPTIVITY 
Assignment:  The  Books  of  Ezra  and  Nehemiah. 

I.  The  Return  Under  Zerubbabel: 

1.  The  edict  of  Cyrus: 

a.  Jews  urged  to  return  to  Jerusalem. 

b.  Assistance  given  by  the  neighbors. 

c.  Vessels  of  the  old  temple  restored. 

2.  Classes  and  number  of  those  who  returned : 

a.  Jews,  42,360. 

b.  Slaves,  7,337. 

3.  Preparations  to  build  the  temple : 

a.  Worship,  sacrifice,  and  feast  days  insti¬ 

tuted. 

b.  Materials  for  the  temple  are  gathered. 

c.  The  foundation  of  the  house  is  laid. 

4.  The  building  of  the  temple  is  hindered : 

a.  Insincere  help  offered  and  refused. 

b.  A  letter  of  protest  is  sent  to  Artaxerxes : 

(1)  The  nature  of  the  letter. 

(2)  The  result  of  the  letter. 

5.  Work  on  the  temple  is  resumed : 

a.  The  prophets  encourage  the  resumption 

of  work. 

b.  Tatnai  writes  to  Darius. 

c.  Darius  discovers  Cyrus’s  decree  and  con¬ 

firms  it. 

d.  The  temple  is  finished  and  dedicated. 

II.  The  Return  of  Ezra  : 

1 .  The  king’s  commision  to  Ezra : 

a.  All  who  wish  to  do  so  may  return  with 
him. 


[66] 


b.  To  take  treasures  and  money  back  to 

Jerusalem. 

c.  Exemption  from  tribute  of  all  ministers 

of  the  temple. 

d.  Freedom  to  punish  unbelievers. 

2.  The  reform  under  Ezra : 

a.  Ezra  grieves  over  the  mixed  mariages. 

b.  Ezra  prays  for  forgiveness  for  the  people. 

c.  The  people  reform  and  put  away  their 

strange  wives. 

III.  The  Work  of  Nehemiah: 

1.  Nehemiah  returns  to  Jerusalem: 

a.  Nehemiah  secures  permission  to  return. 

b.  The  return  and  investigation  of  the  walls. 

2.  The  rebuilding  of  the  wall : 

a.  Opposition  is  shown  : 

b.  The  secrets  of  success  in  the  building: 

(1)  The  willingness  of  the  people. 

(2)  Watchfulness  and  prayer. 

(3)  Preparation  for  defense  while  they 

worked. 

3.  The  great  revival : 

a.  The  reading  and  hearing  of  the  law. 

b.  Fasting  and  repentance. 

c.  Confession  of  God’s  goodness. 

d.  Confession  of  national  sins. 

e.  Sealing  of  the  covenant. 

f.  Sacrifice  and  rejoicing. 

g.  Reforms  instituted. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  “The  glory  of  the  latter  house.” 

2.  Reforms  of  Ezra  and  Nehemiah. 

3.  The  generosity  of  Cyrus. 

[67] 


STUDY  XXXI 

REVIEW 


I 


Study  XXII 

1.  Discuss  the  causes  leading  to  the  division  of 

the  kingdom. 

2.  Discuss  the  reign  and  character  of  Jeroboam. 

3.  Say  what  you  can  about  Asa  and  his  reign. 

Study  XXIII 

1.  Give  the  main  events  in  the  life  of  Elijah. 

2.  Discuss  the  struggle  against  Baalism  and  the 

test  on  Carmel. 

3.  Indicate  the  causes  and  cure  of  Elijah’s  de¬ 

spondency. 

4.  Outline  the  life  of  Ahab. 

Study  XXIV 

1 .  Give  an  account  of  the  chief  miracles  of  Elisha. 

2.  Indicate  Elisha’s  place  in  the  political  life  of 

Israel. 

3.  Tell  the  story  of  Naaman. 

4.  Describe  the  incident  of  Elisha  and  the 

Shunammite  woman. 

5.  Contrast  and  compare  Elisha  and  Elijah. 

Study  XXV 

1.  Indicate  the  nature  of  Hebrew  legislation. 

2.  Give  some  of  the  practical  aspects  of  the  law. 

Study  XXVI 

1.  Give  an  account  of  Jehu  and  his  work. 

2.  Name  five  other  kings  of  this  period,  and  indi¬ 
cate  their  importance. 

Describe  the  fall  of  Israel ;  give  the  causes. 
[68] 


3. 


Study  XXVII 


1.  Discuss  the  moral  revival  under  Jehoshaphat. 

2.  Discuss  the  character  of  Uzziah. 

3.  Tell  what  you  can  about  Ahaz. 

Study  XXVIII 

1.  Give  a  complete  account  of  Hezekiah’s  re¬ 

ligious  reforms. 

2.  Discuss  Hezekiah  and  the  Assyrian  invasion. 

3.  Describe  the  anti-religious  movement  under 

Manasseh. 

4.  Discuss  the  discovery  of  the  law  and  its  effects. 

5.  Give  an  account  of  the  last  days  of  Judah. 

Study  XXIX 

1.  Tell  the  story  of  the  Book  of  Esther. 

2.  Characterize  :a.Vashti  ;b.  Esther  ;c.Mordecai. 

3.  Give  an  account  of  the  following  incidents  in 

Daniel : 

a.  The  fiery  furnace  episode. 

b.  Daniel  and  the  king’s  meat. 

c.  Belshazzar’s  feast. 

d.  Daniel  and  the  lion’s  den. 

4.  Tell  the  stories  of  the  two  dreams  and  their 

interpretation. 

Study  XXX 

1.  Give  an  account  of  the  return  under  Zerub- 

babel. 

2.  Note  the  hindrances  to  the  building  of  the 

temple  and  how  overcome. 

3.  Indicate  the  importance  of  the  work  of  Ezra. 

4.  Show  how  Nehemiah  got  the  wall  completed. 

5.  Discuss  the  great  revival. 


[69] 


STUDY  XXXII 

THE  PROPHETS  AND  THEIR  PROBLEMS 

I.  The  Origin  and  Development  of  Hebrew 

Prophecy : 

1.  The  prophet  as  a  messenger  of  God. 

2.  Other  methods  of  revelation : 

a.  God  spoke  directly,  as  to  Adam,  Moses, 

Noah,  Elijah,  etc. 

b.  The  “Angel  of  the  Lord”  spoke,  as  to 

A.braham,  Gideon,  etc. 

c.  Angels  spoke,  as  to  Lot,  Cornelius,  Peter, 

etc. 

d.  God  spoke  by  lots,  Urim  and  Thummim, 

etc. 

e.  God  spoke  through  dreams  and  visions. 

f.  God  spoke  through  Jesus  Christ. 

3.  Moses  the  first  great  prophet. 

4.  Prophecy  from  Moses  to  Elisha. 

5.  Problems  connected  with  the  development  of 

prophecy : 

a.  The  sons  of  the  prophets. 

b.  False  prophets. 

c.  Professional  prophets. 

6.  The  development  of  the  great  literary  prophets. 

II.  The  Task  of  the  Prophets  : 

1.  To  preach  against  social  injustice.  Examples: 

a.  Nathan  (II  Sam.  12:1  ff.). 

b.  Ahijah  (I  Kings  11  :29  ff.). 

c.  Elijah  (I  Kings  21 :  17-24). 

d.  Elisha  (II  Kings  9 :1-13). 

e.  The  great  literary  prophets,  Amos,  Isaiah, 

etc. 


[70] 


2.  To  give  a  clearer  conception  of  the  character 

of  Jehovah. 

3.  To  defend  and  keep  pure  the  religion  of 

Jehovah. 

4.  To  preach  religious  patriotism  : 

a.  Warning  against  the  sins  of  the  nations. 

b.  Encouragement  of  the  nation. 

c.  Denunciation  of  other  powers. 

5.  To  foretell  an  ideal  social  state. 

III.  The  Great  Literary  Prophets  and  Their 
Periods  : 

1.  The  Assyrian  period  : 

a.  Amos.  c.  Isaiah. 

b.  Hosea.  d.  Micah. 

2.  The  Chaldean  period  : 

a.  Jeremiah.  c.  Nahum. 

b.  Zephaniah.  d.  Plabakkuk. 

3.  The  prophets  of  the  Exile  : 

a.  Ezekiel. 

b.  Obadiah. 

c.  Isaiah. 

4.  The  post-exilic  period  : 

a.  Plaggai.  d.  Joel. 

b.  Zechariah.  e.  Jonah. 

c.  Malachi.  f.  Daniel. 

topics  for  discussion 

1.  The  prophet  as  a  product  of  his  social  situation. 

2.  The  prophet  as  a  patriot. 

3.  The  optimism  of  the  prophets. 

4.  The  prophet  as  a  religious  genius. 

5.  The  prophets  and  the  messianic  hope. 

6.  The  prophets’  estimate  of  the  character  of  Jehovah. 

7.  The  parables  of  the  prophets. 

[71] 


STUDY  XXXIII 

THE  PROPHETS  OF  THE  ASSYRIAN  PERIOD, 

PART  I 

Assignment:  Amos,  Hosea,  Micah. 

I.  The  Prophet  Amos  and  His  Message  : 

1.  Amos,  the  man  : 

a.  The  personality  and  training  of  Amos. 

b.  The  methods  of  Amos. 

2.  The  Message  of  Amos  : 

a.  The  judgment  of  the  nations. 

b.  Warnings  and  exhortations  : 

(1)  Condemnation  of  the  ruling  classes. 

(2)  Israel’s  stubbornness. 

(3)  Rebukes  and  exhortations. 

(4)  The  day  of  the  Lord. 

(5)  Woes  to  the  wicked. 

c.  Visions  of  judgment: 

( 1 )  Locusts. 

(2)  Fire. 

(3)  The  plumbline. 

(4)  The  summer  fruit. 

(5)  The  altar. 

d.  The  hopeful  future  : 

(1)  The  remnant  to  be  saved. 

(2)  Restoration  promised. 

II.  The  Prophet  Hosea  and  His  Message  : 

1.  The  call  of  the  prophet: 

a.  The  story  of  Gomer. 

b.  The  application  of  the  story  to  Israel. 

2.  The  message  of  Hosea  : 

a.  Corrupt  conditions  in  Israel : 

( 1 )  Causes  of  the  corruption  : 

[72] 


(a)  Wicked  rulers. 

(b)  Indifferent  and  ignorant  priests. 

(2)  The  inevitable  doom  : 

(a)  Reaping  the  whirlwind. 

(b)  A  harvest  prophecy. 

(c)  Sentences  of  judgment, 

b.  The  yearning  of  God  : 

(1)  God’s  love  and  regret. 

(2)  A  new  series  of  complaints. 

(3)  A  new  set  of  warnings. 

(4)  A  call  to  repentance. 

(5)  A  promise  of  forgiveness. 

III.  The  Prophet  Micah  and  His  Message  : 

1.  Micah,  the  man. 

2.  The  message  of  Micah  : 

a.  Judgment  and  salvation : 

(1)  The  judgment  of  the  people. 

(2)  The  cause  of  the  judgment: 

(a)  Corrupt  leaders. 

(b)  Mistreatment  of  the  people. 

(3)  The  salvation  of  the  people: 

(a)  The  glorious  latter  days. 

(b)  The  salvation  of  the  remnant. 

b.  The  controversy  before  the  mountain. 

(Quote). 

c.  The  man  of  wisdom. 

d.  The  gracious  God. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  social  situation  in  the  time  of  these  prophets. 

2.  True  religion  as  expressed  by  Micah. 

3.  The  clash  between  the  priests  and  the  prophets. 

4.  Contrast  of  Hosea  and  Amos. 


[73] 


STUDY  XXXIV 

THE  PROPHETS  OF  THE  ASSYRIAN  PERIOD, 

PART  II 

Assignment:  Isaiah  1-23. 

I.  General  Prophecies  : 

1.  The  great  arraignment: 

a.  Corruptness  of  the  people. 

b.  Protest  against  false  religion. 

c.  Exhortation  to  reform. 

d.  Promise  of  redemption. 

2.  Through  judgment  to  glory  : 

a.  The  glorious  future. 

b.  Corrupt  conditions. 

3.  Parable  of  the  vineyard.  (Quote). 

4.  A  sevenfold  woe  : 

a.  Covetousness. 

b.  Intemperance. 

c.  Indifference  to  punishment. 

d.  Moral  insensibility. 

e.  Self-righteousness. 

f.  Viciousness. 

g.  The  penalty. 

5.  The  call  of  the  prophet.  (Quote). 

II.  Political  Prophecies  : 

1.  The  unholy  alliance  : 

a.  ToKingAhaz. 

b.  To  the  King  of  Israel. 

c.  Judah  and  her  enemies  : 

( 1 )  The  sign  Immanuel. 

(2)  The  coming  of  light. 

(3)  The  Prince  of  Peace. 

d.  The  doom  of  the  north. 

[74] 


2.  The  Assyrian  invasion  : 

a.  Assyria  to  be  used  by  the  Lord. 

b.  The  rod  of  the  stem  of  Jesse. 

c.  Songs  of  rejoicing. 

III.  The  Dooms  of  the  Nations  : 

1.  Babylon. 

2.  Assyria. 

3.  Philistia. 

4.  Moab. 

5.  Syria. 

6.  Israel. 

7.  Ethiopia. 

8.  Egypt: 

a.  The  doom  of  Egypt. 

b.  The  watchman  of  Israel. 

c.  The  valley  of  vision. 

9.  Tyre. 


TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Comparison  of  Micah  and  Isaiah. 

2.  Isaiah’s  attitude  toward  formal  religion. 

3.  The  character  of  Isaiah. 

4.  The  social  situation  of  Isaiah’s  time. 

5.  Isaiah’s  call  to  service. 

6.  Immanuel  and  the  Prince  of  Peace. 

7.  Isaiah  as  a  patriot. 

8.  The  use  of  parables  among  the  Orientals. 


[75] 


STUDY  XXXV 

THE  PROPHETS  OF  THE  ASSYRIAN  PERIOD, 
PART  III 

Assignment:  Isaiah  24-39. 

I.  Judgment  and  Restoration  : 

1.  A  rhapsody  of  judgment: 

a.  The  voice  and  the  vision. 

b.  Various  songs  : 

(1)  Song  of  the  elders. 

(2)  Song  in  that  day. 

(3)  Song  in  the  land  of  Judah. 

2.  The  covenant  with  death  : 

a.  Evil  conditions. 

b.  Warnings  from  the  Lord. 

3.  Judgment  upon  Ariel : 

a.  Warning  against  sin. 

b.  Promise  of  better  days. 

4.  Warning  against  foreign  alliance  : 

a.  The  boaster  that  sitteth  still : 

(1)  Futility  of  trusting  Egypt. 

(2)  Gracious  promise  to  Zion. 

(3)  Prophecy  of  the  destruction  of  As¬ 

syria. 

b.  The  horses  of  Egypt : 

(1)  Exhortation  to  trust  Jehovah. 

(2)  The  influence  of  the  righteous. 

c.  Warning  against  careless  ease. 

5.  A  rhapsody  of  salvation. 

6.  The  utter  destruction  : 

a.  The  fury  of  the  Lord. 

b.  The  desolation  of  the  land. 

7.  The  great  restoration. 

[76] 


II.  The  Ministry  of  Isaiah  Under  Hezekiah  : 

1.  The  invasion  of  Sennacherib: 

a.  The  mission  of  Rabshakeh  : 

(1)  The  demand  of  Rabshakeh. 

(2)  The  speech  of  Rabshakeh. 

(3)  Hezekiah’s  message  to  Isaiah  and  the 

reply. 

(4)  Rabshakeh’s  return. 

b.  The  letter  to  Hezekiah  : 

(1)  Hezekiah’s  prayer  over  the  letter. 

(2)  Isaiah’s  message  to  Hezekiah. 

c.  The  destruction  of  Sennacherib. 

2.  The  sickness  of  Hezekiah  : 

a.  Hezekiah  prays. 

b.  His  life  is  extended  . 

c.  He  sings  a  song  of  praise. 

3.  Hezekiah’s  folly : 

a.  Hezekiah  displays  his  treasures. 

b.  Isaiah  reproves  Hezekiah. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  poetical  element  in  Isaiah. 

2.  The  prophet’s  attitude  toward  foreign  alliances. 

3.  The  beauty  of  the  Golden  Age. 

4.  Isaiah’s  influence  in  politics. 

5.  The  destruction  of  the  Assyrian  forces. 


[77] 


STUDY  XXXVI 

THE  PROPHETS  OF  THE  CHALDEAN  PERIOD, 

PART  I 

Assignment:  Jeremiah  1-23. 

I.  The  Prophet’s  Call  and  Manifesto: 

1.  The  call  of  the  prophet. 

2.  The  manifesto : 

a.  The  accusation  against  Jerusalem. 

b.  The  call  to  Jerusalem  to  repent. 

c.  Threats  against  Judah. 

d.  A  vision  of  judgment. 

e.  The  search  for  manhood. 

f.  A  threat  of  foreign  invasion. 

g.  Prophecy  of  destruction. 

II.  Miscellaneous  Discourses  : 

1.  The  temple  of  the  Lord  are  these : 

a.  A  call  to  repentance.  , 

b.  Obedience  rather  than  sacrifice. 

2.  Topheth. 

3.  Grievous  conditions  in  Jerusalem  : 

a.  The  hurt  of  the  daughter. 

b.  A  lamentation. 

c.  The  mourning  women. 

d.  The  panic. 

III.  The  Missionary  Journey  : 

1.  The  covenant : 

a.  The  commission  to  preach  the  covenant. 

b.  The  rejection  of  the  covenant. 

c.  The  conspiracy  of  Anathoth. 

2.  The  emblems : 

a.  The  girdle. 

b.  The  bottle. 


[78] 


IV.  The  Drought  and  Other  Prophecies: 

1.  A  rhapsody  of  the  drought : 

a.  A  picture  of  desolation. 

b.  A  note  of  repentance. 

2.  The  doom  of  the  land. 

3.  Condemnation  of  Sabbath  violation. 

V.  Discourses  Founded  on  Pottery  : 

1.  The  potter’s  clay. 

2.  The  potter’s  bottle. 

3.  Meditations  under  persecution  : 

a.  The  persecution  of  the  prophet. 

b.  The  prophet’s  lament. 

VI.  Prophecies  for  the  Rulers  : 

1.  A  warning  of  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem. 

2.  A  warning  against  the  king’s  house. 

3.  An  appeal  to  the  royal  house : 

a.  An  appeal  for  righteousness. 

b.  The  fate  of  Shallum. 

c.  Denunciation  of  Jehoiakim. 

d.  Condemnation  of  Coniah. 

e.  Complaint  against  false  shepherds. 

f.  Promise  of  a  righteous  leader. 

4.  On  false  prophets. 

topics  for  discussion 

1.  The  character  of  Jeremiah. 

2.  The  symbolism  of  Jeremiah. 

3.  The  patriotism  of  the  prophet. 


[79] 


STUDY  XXXVII 

THE  PROPHETS  OF  THE  CHALDEAN  PERIOD, 

PART  II 

Assignment:  Jeremiah  24-52.' 

I.  Controversial  Prophecies  : 

1.  The  emblem  of  figs. 

2.  The  cup  of  the  Lord’s  fury : 

a.  The  desolation  of  the  land. 

b.  The  cup  of  fury. 

c.  The  widespread  devastation. 

3.  Controversy  over  the  destruction  of  the  temple : 

a.  The  warning  of  destruction. 

b.  The  threat  of  death. 

c.  Jeremiah’s  life  is  spared. 

4.  The  prophecy  of  the  yoke  : 

a.  Jeremiah  advises  the  nations  to  submit  to 

Babylon. 

b.  The  warning  to  Zedekiah. 

c.  Hananiah  breaks  the  yoke  and  prophesies. 

d.  Jeremiah  substitutes  an  iron  yoke  and 

prophesies  the  death  of  Hananiah. 

5.  Epistle  to  the  elders  of  the  captivity : 

a.  Directions  as  to  how  to  live  in  Babylon. 

b.  Prophecy  against  his  enemies  : 

( 1 )  Against  the  king  of  Judah. 

(2)  Against  false  prophets  : 

(a)  Zedekiah. 

(b)  Shemaiah. 

II.  Prophecies  of  the  Restoration  : 

1.  The  restoration  of  Judah  : 

a.  Promise  of  return  from  captivity. 

b.  Destruction  of  Judah’s  foes. 

[80] 


2.  The  restoration  of  Israel : 

a.  The  joys  of  the  restored  kingdom. 

b.  A  promise  to  Israel. 

3.  The  new  covenant. 

III.  Various  Incidents  and  Prophecies  of  an  His¬ 

torical  Nature: 

1.  The  Anathoth  estate  : 

a.  The  purchase  of  the  estate. 

b.  Jeremiah’s  prayer  and  protest. 

c.  God’s  statement  of  captivity  and  return. 

2.  The  Hebrew  servants  : 

a.  The  violation  of  the  covenant. 

b.  The  punishment  for  violation. 

3.  The  Rechabites : 

a.  The  fidelity  of  the  Rechabites. 

b.  The  reward. 

4.  The  burning  of  the  roll. 

5.  The  crisis  of  the  siege. 

6.  Jeremiah  is  abducted  to  Egypt. 

7.  A  prophecy  to  the  Jews  in  Egypt. 

IV.  Dooms  of  the  Nations  : 

1.  Egypt.  5.  Edom. 

2.  Philistia.  6.  Damascus. 

3.  Moab.  7.  Babylon. 

4.  Ammon. 

V.  Epilogue  and  Appendix. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  Rechabites. 

2.  The  courage  of  Jeremiah. 

3.  The  prophet  of  consolation. 


[81] 


STUDY  XXXVIII 

THE  END  OF  THE  CHALDEAN  PERIOD  AND  THE 
BEGINNING  OF  THE  EXILE  . 

Assignment:  Zephaniah,  Nahum,  Habakkuk,  and 
Ezekiel  1-20. 

I.  The  Message  of  Zephaniah  : 

1.  Threats  and  denunciations: 

a.  Against  Judah : 

(1)  Punishment  of  Judah. 

(2)  The  day  of  the  Lord. 

(3)  Exhortation  to  penitence. 

b.  Against  foreign  nations. 

2.  Promise  of  joy  for  Zion. 

II.  The  Message  of  Nahum  : 

1.  The  goodness  and  power  of  God. 

2.  The  destruction  of  Nineveh. 

III.  The  Message  of  Habakkuk  : 

1.  A  rhapsody  of  the  Chaldeans: 

a.  The  mystery. 

b.  The  solution. 

c.  The  doom  of  the  Chaldeans. 

2.  Jehovah  comes  to  Judgment. 

IV.  Ezekiel  and  His  Message  : 

1.  The  sevenfold  message  of  initiation  : 

a.  The  call  and  commission : 

(1)  The  vision. 

(2)  The  commission. 

b.  The  prophet  as  a  watchman. 

c.  The  opening  of  the  mouth. 

d.  The  mimic  siege. 

e.  The  doom  of  the  land. 


[82] 


f .  The  conditions  that  follow  the  doom. 

g.  The  vision  of  Jerusalem  in  her  pollutions  : 

( 1 )  The  tour  of  investigation. 

(2)  The  marking  and  slaying  of  the  idola¬ 

ters. 

(3)  The  vision  of  the  glory  of  God. 

(4)  The  promise  of  a  new  heart. 

2.  The  sevenfold  token  : 

a.  Stuff  for  removing. 

b.  Bread  of  trembling. 

c.  Vision  failing. 

d.  Vision  afar  off. 

e.  Trust  in  false  prophets. 

f.  Trust  in  vain  inquiry. 

g.  Trust  in  vicarious  righteousness. 

3.  The  sevenfold  parable  : 

a.  The  vine. 

b.  The  foundling. 

c.  Mother  and  daughter. 

d.  Eagles  and  cedar. 

e.  Sour  grapes. 

f.  Young  lion. 

g.  Broken  vine. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  picture  of  Nineveh  and  its  destruction. 

2.  Habakkuk’s  attitude  toward  perplexing  problems. 

3.  The  parables  of  Ezekiel. 

4.  The  visions  of  Ezekiel. 

5.  The  symbolism  of  Ezekiel. 


[83] 


STUDY  XXXIX 

THE  PERIOD  OF  THE  EXILE 
Assignment:  Ezekiel  20-48. 

I.  Judgment  of  the  Inquiring  Elders: 

1.  The  delegation  of  elders. 

2.  The  prophet’s  refusal  to  be  interviewed. 

II.  The  Seven  Last  Words  : 

1.  Against  the  South. 

2.  The  sword  of  the  Lord. 

3.  Judgment  of  the  bloody  city. 

4.  Parable  of  Oholah  and  Oholibah. 

5.  Judgment  of  Oholah  and  Oholibah. 

6.  The  rusty  caldron. 

7.  Woe  beyond  mourning. 

III.  Dooms  of  the  Nations  : 

1.  A  cluster  of  dooms: 

a.  Ammon. 

b.  Moab. 

c.  Edom. 

d.  Philistia. 

2.  Tyre. 

3.  Wreck  of  the  good  ship  Tyre. 

4.  Doom  of  the  prince  of  Tyre. 

5.  Zidon. 

6.  Triumph  of  Israel. 

7.  Sevenfold  doom  of  Egypt : 

a.  The  crocodile. 

b.  Wages  for  Nebuchadrezzar. 

c.  The  day  of  the  Lord. 


[84] 


-J^  G  j 


d.  Pharaoh’s  arm  broken. 

e.  The  fallen  cedar. 

f.  The  dragon  of  the  seas. 

g.  A  wail  for  Egypt. 

IV.  The  Fall  and  Restoration  : 

1.  The  fall  of  Jerusalem. 

2.  The  shepherds  of  Israel  and  the  divine  shep¬ 

herd  : 

a.  The  wicked  shepherds  of  Israel. 

b.  The  good  shepherd. 

3.  Mount  Seir  and  the  mountains  of  Israel : 

a.  Prophecy  against  Mount  Seir. 

b.  Promise  of  restoration  to  Israel. 

4.  The  valley  of  dry  bones. 

5.  The  joining  of  the  sticks. 

6.  The  invasion  of  Gog. 

7.  Jerusalem  in  her  glory : 

a.  The  law  of  the  house. 

b.  The  ordinances  of  the  altar. 

c.  The  entering  of  the  sanctuary. 

d.  The  holy  portion  of  the  land. 

e.  Oblations  and  offerings. 

f.  The  healing  waters. 

g.  The  border  of  the  tribes. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Ezekiel  as  the  prophet  of  the  individual. 

2.  Ezekiel  as  a  law  giver. 

The  picture  of  the  healing  waters. 

.  The  spirituality  of  Ezekiel. 


[85] 


STUDY  XL 

THE  CLOSE  OF  THE  EXILE 
Assignment:  Obadiah;  Isaiah  40-66. 

I.  The  Message  of  Obadiah  : 

1.  The  doom  of  Edom. 

2.  The  cause  of  the  doom. 

3.  The  triumph  of  Israel. 

II.  Isaiah's  Message  to  the  Exiles  : 

1.  The  deliverance  of  the  exiles  and  the  power  of 

Jehovah  : 

a.  A  cry  of  comfort. 

b.  The  servant  of  Jehovah  delivered : 

( 1 )  Introduction. 

(2)  The  summons  before  the  bar  of  God: 

(a)  Jehovah  acknowledges  Israel. 

(b)  Jehovah’s  care  for  Israel. 

(c)  Jehovah  reproves  Israel. 

(d)  The  condemnation  of  idolatry. 

(e)  Jehovah’s  message  to  Cyrus. 

(f)  Israel’s,  triumph  over  Babylon. 

(g)  The  redemption  of  Jacob. 

2.  The  mission  of  the  servant  of  Jehovah  and  the 

glory  of  Zion : 

a.  The  mission  of  the  servant  of  Jehovah: 

(1)  The  servant  awakened  to  his  mission. 

(2)  The  ministry  to  Zion. 

(3)  The  ministry  to  the  nations. 

b.  Zion  awakened  : 

( 1 )  Appeals  to  Zion  : 

(a)  Jehovah’s  appeals. 

(b)  Appeals  of  the  celestial  hosts. 

(2)  The  awakening  and  the  chorus  of 

watchmen. 

[86] 


c.  The  servant  of  Jehovah  exalted. 

d.  Zion  exalted : 

(1)  Zion  the  bride  of  Jehovah. 

(2)  Zion  the  city  of  beauty  and  peace. 

(3)  Zion  the  witness  to  the  nations. 

3.  The  future  of  Israel  and  the  doom  of  the 
unfaithful : 

a.  Redemption  in  process  in  Zion : 

( 1 )  Struggle  with  sin  and  error. 

(2)  Israel  rousing  to  repentance. 

(3)  Redemption  begun. 

(4)  Song  of  Zion  redeemed. 

(5)  The  redeemer  come  to  Zion. 

b.  The  day  of  judgment : 

( 1 )  Judgment  of  the  nations. 

(2)  Judgment  in  Zion. 

(3)  Jehovah  in  judgment. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  cause  of  the  hate  of  Edom. 

2.  The  suffering  servant  concept  of  Israel’s  mission. 

3.  Messianic  elements  in  Isaiah. 

4.  Isaiah  as  the  prophet  of  consolation. 

5.  The  ultimate  triumph  of  Israel. 


[87] 


STUDY  XLI 

THE  PROPHETS  AND  THE  POST-EXILIC  PROBLEMS 


Assignment:  Haggai,  Zechariah,  Malachi,  Joel,  Jonah, 
Daniel,  7-12. 

I.  The  Message  of  Haggai: 

1.  Rebuke  of  indifference  in  building  the  temple: 

a.  The  rebuke. 

b.  The  response. 

2.  Encouragement  to  the  builders. 

3.  The  guarantee  of  divine  favor. 

4.  The  exaltation  of  Zerubbabel. 

II.  T he  Message  of  Zechariah  : 

1.  The  call  to  repentance. 

2.  The  sevenfold  vision : 

a.  The  vision  opens. 

b.  Horns  and  smith. 

c.  The  measuring  line 

d.  The  high  priest  and  the  adversary. 

e.  The  golden  candlestick. 

f.  The  sons  of  oil. 

g.  The  flying  roll. 

h.  The  ephah  and  the  talent. 

i.  The  vision  closes. 

3.  The  inquiry  on  fasting. 

4.  The  king  of  peace. 

5.  The  withdrawal  of  the  divine  shepherd: 

a.  The  flock  of  slaughter. 

b.  Graciousness  and  union. 

c.  The  foolish  shepherd. 

6.  Prophecies  of  the  siege : 

a.  The  fountain  for  the  house  of  David. 


[88] 


b.  The  smiting  of  the  shepherd. 

c.  The  judgment  and  the  age  of  holiness. 

III.  The  Message  of  Malachi  : 

1.  Love  of  Jehovah  for  his  people. 

2.  Faithfulness  of  priests  and  people. 

3.  Condemnation  of  guilt. 

4.  Exhortation  to  obedience. 

IV.  Joel: 

1.  The  plague  as  an  emblem  of  judgment. 

2.  Repentance  and  relief. 

3.  The  future. 

V.  Jonah  : 

1.  The  commission  and  flight. 

2.  The  prayer  and  relief. 

3.  The  preaching  at  Nineveh. 

VI.  Daniel  : 

1.  The  vision  of  the  four  beasts. 

2.  The  vision  of  the  ram  and  he-goat. 

3.  The  vision  of  the  restoration. 

4.  Vision  of  the  end. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  practical  problems  of  Malachi. 

2.  The  message  of  Haggai. 

3.  The  post-exilic  prophets  and  the  day  of  the  Lord. 

4.  The  apocalyptic  element  in  Daniel  and  Zechariah. 

5.  The  vision  of  Joel. 

6.  The  missionary  message  of  Jonah. 

7.  The  first  glimpses  of  resurrection  and  immortality. 


[89] 


STUDY  XLII 

REVIEW 
Study  XXXII 

1.  Trace  the  origin  and  development  of  Hebrew 

prophecy. 

2.  Indicate  the  task  of  the  prophets.  Illustrate. 

3.  Name  the  great  literary  prophets. 

Study  XXXIII 

1.  Discuss  the  call,  character,  and  method  of 

Amos. 

2.  Indicate  the  contents  of  his  message  and  its 

application. 

3.  Show  Hosea’s  treatment  of  the  love  of  God. 

4.  Contrast  and  compare  Amos  and  Hosea. 

5.  Give  the  substance  of  the  message  of  Micah. 

Study  XXXIV 

1.  Discuss  the  social  and  moral  conditions  in 

Israel  as  revealed  in  Isaiah. 

2.  Tell  the  story  of  the  Parable  of  the  Vineyard 

and  its  application. 

3.  Give  the  pictures  of  the  glorious  future  in 

Isaiah. 

Study  XXXV 

1.  Discuss  Isaiah’s  view  of  foreign  alliances. 

2.  Give  the  main  events  in  the  ministry  of  Isaiah 

under  Hezekiah. 

Study  XXXVI 

1.  Discuss  Jeremiah’s  call  and  character. 

2.  Indicate  the  conditions  in  Jerusalem  at  the 

time  of  Jeremiah. 

[90] 


3.  Discuss  the  emblem  messages :  the  girdle,  bot¬ 
tle,  potter’s  clay. 

Study  XXXVII 

1.  Discuss  Jeremiah  as  a  patriot.  Illustrate 

2.  Tell  about  the  burning  of  the  roll. 

Study  XXXVIII 

1.  Give  the  substance  of  Zephaniah’s  message. 

2.  Indicate  the  nature  of  the  Book  of  Nahum. 

3.  Say  what  you  can  about  Ezekiel’s  visions. 

4.  What  conditions  did  Ezekiel  discover  on  his 

night  journey. 

5.  Discuss  the  parables  of  Ezekiel. 

Study  XXXIX 

1.  Discuss  the  doom  literature  of  Ezekiel. 

2.  Tell  the  story  of  the  valley  of  dry  bones. 

3.  Picture  the  vision  of  Jerusalem  in  her  glory. 

Study  XL 

1.  Indicate  the  nature  of  Obadiah’s  message. 

2.  Give  some  idea  of  the  poetical  quality  of 

Isaiah’s  writings. 

3.  Trace  the  development  of  the  servant  of 

Jehovah  idea. 

4.  Discuss  the  messianic  hope  of  Isaiah. 

Study  XLI 

1.  Indicate  the  nature  of  the  message  of  Haggai. 

2.  Describe  the  visions  of  Zechariah  and  Daniel. 

3.  Indicate  the  main  ideas  in  the  message  of 

Malachi. 

4.  Show  the  purpose  of  the  Book  of  Joel. 

3.  Give  the  story  of  Jonah  and  its  application. 
[91  ] 


,  ,.*p  1 

[ire.\ore-'^  ’ 

STUDY  XLIII 

THE  HEBREW  CLASSICS 


I. 


The  Contents  of  Hebrew  Classic  Literature 
1.  The  great  classics  :  *  — 

a.  Psalms.  ✓ 

b.  Proverbs. 

c.  Job. 


2.  The  little  classics  : 

a.  Song  of  Songs 

b.  Ruth. 

c.  Lamentations. 

d.  Ecclesiastes. 

e.  Esther. 


II.  Poetry  in  the  Old  Testament: 

1.  Nature  and  characteristics  of  Hebrew  poetry 

a.  The  nature  of  Hebrew  poetry : 

( 1 )  Emotional  as  to  substance. 

(2)  Imaginative  as  to  presentation. 

(3)  Rhythmic  and  sublime  as  to  style. 

b.  The  structure  of  Hebrew  poetry.  Paral 
lelism : 

Synonymous  (Psalm  8:4): 

Synthetic  (Psalm  42:1). 

Antithetic  (Proverbs  13:1). 
Climactic  (Psalm  29:  1). 

Types  of  poetry  in  the  Old  Testament: 
a.  As  to  form  : 

(1)  Groups  of  couplets  and  sonnets. 

(2)  Lyrics. 

(3)  Drama. 

As  to  nature  and  purpose : 

( 1 )  Devotional. 

(2)  Didactic  or  wisdom. 

[92] 


3.  Collections  of  Hebrew  poetry : 

a.  The  Book  of  the  War  of  Jehovah. 

b.  The  Book  of  Jashar. 

c.  The  Psalter. 

d.  The  Proverbs. 

III.  The  Hebrew  Psalter: 

1.  The  arrangement  of  the  Book  of  Psahns. 

2.  The  uses  of  the  Psalter. 

3.  The  musical  disposal  of  the  Psalms  : 

a.  As  to  musical  directions  : 

(1)  As  to  tunes. 

(2)  As  to  kinds  of  voices. 

b.  As  to  musical  accompaniment. 

IV.  The-Wisdoal  -Literature  of  the  Old  Testa¬ 
ment  : 

1.  The  books  of  wisdom  : 

a.  Job. 

b.  Proverbs. 

c.  Ecclesiastes. 

2.  The  function  of  wisdom  literature. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

The  nature  of  Hebrew  poetry. 

The  uses  of  the  Megilloth  or  “little  classics.” 

Folk  songs  among  the  Hebrews. 

Early  Hebrew  poetry. 

The  uses  of  the  Psalter. 


A: 

3. 

4. 

5. 


[93] 


STUDY  XLIV 

PSALMS  OF  ADORATION  OF  JEHOVAH  AND  HIS 
UNIVERSAL  REIGN 

I.  Psalms  of  Adoration  of  Jehovah  : 

1.  Of  God  in  nature  : 

a.  Psalm  8,  the  glory  of  nature  and  the 

greatness  of  man. 

b.  Psalm  19,  nature’s  testimony  to  the  great¬ 

ness  of  God. 

c.  Psalm  29,  God’s  greatness  manifested  in 

the  thunderstorm. 

d.  Psalm  104,  creation’s  testimony  to  the 

goodness  of  God. 

2.  Of  God’s  love  for  his  people: 

a.  Psalm  33,  the  blessedness  of  God’s  people. 

b.  Psalm  103,  God’s  mercy  and  compassion 

toward  his  people. 

c.  Psalm  111,  God’s  goodness  shown  in 

Israel’s  redemption. 

d.  Psalm  113,  Jehovah’s  love  for  the  lowly. 

e.  Psalm  115,  Jehovah’s  incomparable  power 

and  love. 

f.  Psalm  117,  a  song  of  praise. 

g.  Psalm  147,  God’s  greatness  in  nature  and 

his  goodness  to  man. 

3.  Of  God’s  glorious  kingdom  : 

a.  Psalm  145,  God’s  just  and  gracious  rule. 

b.  Psalm  146,  God  the  unfailing  protector. 

4.  Nature’s  call  to  universal  praise : 

a.  Psalm  148,  the  universal  praise  of  God. 

b.  Psalm  150,  a  call  to  universal  praise. 

II.  The  Universal  Reign  of  Jehovah  : 

1.  Jehovah’s  reign  acknowledged  by  the  nations: 
[94] 


a.  Psalm  47,  God’s  rule  over  the  nations. 

b.  Psalm  87,  Zion’s  reputation  among  the 

nations. 

c.  Psalm  93,  Jehovah’s  supremacy  unques¬ 

tioned. 

2.  A  festal  anthem  celebrating  Jehovah’s  reign: 

a.  Psalm  95,  Jehovah  the  creator  and  ruler. 

b.  Psalm  96,  a  call  for  universal  worship  of 

Jehovah. 

c.  Psalm  97,  Jehovah  the  defender  and  pre¬ 

server  of  his  people. 

d.  Psalm  98,  call  to  man  and  nature  to  praise 

a  just  God. 

e.  Psalm  99,  Jehovah  a  holy  God. 

f.  Psalm  100,  Jehovah  the  gracious  God. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  nature  poetry  of  the  Hebrews. 

2.  The  character  of  Jehovah  as  expressed  in  the 

Psalter.  Note : 

a.  Jehovah’s  tenderness  and  compassion. 

b.  His  righteousness  and  justice. 

SUGGESTIONS  FOR  CLASS  EXERCISES 

1.  Call  for  assigned  memory  passages  either  from  in¬ 

dividuals  or  in  concert. 

2.  Compare  the  nature  poetry  of  the  Hebrews  with 

that  of  other  literatures,  e.  g.,  Wordsworth 
or  Coleridge. 

3.  Divide  the  class  into  groups  and  read  the  Festal 

Anthem,  Psalms  95-100,  aloud  according  to 
directions  in  Moulton,  Modern  Reader’s 
Bible. 

4.  Compare  the  picture  of  God  in  the  103  Psalm  with 

the  New  Testament  conception  of  God. 

[95] 


♦ 


4 


STUDY  XLV 


PSALMS  OF  THANKSGIVING,  WORSHIP,  AND 
PENITENCE 

I.  Psalms  of  Thanksgiving: 

1.  Personal  psalms  of  thanksgiving: 

a.  Psalm  18,  for  deliverance  of  the  king. 

b.  Psalm  30,  for  health,  life,  and  joy. 

c.  Psalm  40,  for  rescue  and  a  new  song  of 

joy. 

d.  Psalm  116,  for  deliverance  from  affliction. 

e.  Psalm  138,  for  the  constancy  of  Jehovah’s 

care. 

f.  Psalm  144,  for  God’s  providence  and  the 

prosperity  of  his  people. 

2.  National  psalms  of  thanksgiving: 

a.  Psalm  46,  the  Lord  of  hosts  our  refuge. 

b.  Psalm  48,  Jehovah  the  refuge  of  Zion. 

c.  Psalms  65  and  66,  for  the  goodness  of 

God  to  Zion. 

d.  Psalm,  67,  a  festal  response  of  praise. 

e.  Psalms  68  and  76,  for  Jehovah’s  presence 

in  battle. 

f.  Psalm  107,  for  Jehovah’s  providence. 

g.  Psalm  118,  a  processional  song  of  de¬ 

liverance. 

h.  Psalms  124  and  126,  songs  of  deliverance 

of  the  exiles. 

i.  Psalm  149,  a  chorus  of  victory. 

II.  Psalms  of  Worship  : 

1.  Psalms  of  the  individual  worshipper: 

a.  Psalm  5,  a  morning  prayer  for  guidance. 

b.  Psalm  26,  self-examination  before  wor¬ 

ship. 


[96] 


c.  Psalm  27,  the  joy  of  waiting  on  the  Lord. 

d.  Psalms  42,  43,  yearning  for  God. 

2.  Psalms  having  to  do  with  temple  worship  : 

a.  Psalm  24,  an  inaugural  hymn. 

b.  Psalm  84,  the  pilgrim’s  longing  for  the 

sanctuary. 

c.  Psalm  122,  a  salutation  to  Jerusalem. 

d.  Psalm  133,  the  blessedness  of  unity. 

e.  Psalm  134,  a  benediction. 

III.  Psalms  of  Penitence: 

1.  Psalms  dealing  only  with  personal  penitence: 

a.  Psalm  6,  a  cry  for  help  in  distress. 

b.  Psalm  32,  the  joy  of  confession. 

c.  Psalm  38,  the  misery  of  a  sin-cursed  life. 

d.  Psalm  143,  a  prayer  for  guidance. 

2.  Psalms  indicating  a  national  repentance  also : 

a.  Psalm  51,  a  prayer  and  a  promise. 

b.  Psalm  102,  an  appeal  for  pity. 

c.  Psalm  130,  a  prayer  for  the  redemption  of 

Israel. 

TOPICS  FOR  PISCUSSION 

1.  The  development  of  a  sense  of  individual  guilt. 

2.  Jehovah  as  a  God  of  war. 

3.  Jehovah  as  the  director  of  the  destiny  of  the  nation. 

4.  The  love  of  the  Hebrews  for  the  temple. 

SUGGESTIONS  FOR  CLASS  EXERCISES 

1.  Call  attention  to  the  beauty  and  grandeur  of  indi¬ 

vidual  psalms.  Such  in  this  study  are 
Psalms  24,  27,  42,  46,  51,  84,  and  122. 

2.  Compare  the  Psalmist’s  love  for  the  temple  with 

that  of  the  prophets.  See  Isaiah  2,  also 
Haggai,  etc. 


[97] 


STUDY  XL VI 

PSALMS  OF  PETITION 


I.  Individual  Petitions  : 

1.  Prayers  for  protection: 

a.  Psalm  3,  from  active  foes. 

b.  Psalm  4,  against  slander. 

c.  Psalm  12,  against  deceitfulness. 

d.  Psalm  28,  against  the  wicked. 

e.  Psalm  55.  against  a  traitorous  friend. 

f.  Psalms  56  and  57,  against  his  adversaries. 

2.  Prayers  for  vindication  : 

a.  Psalm  7,  for  just  judgment. 

b.  Psalm  41,  for  succor  in  the  day  of  evil. 

3.  Prayers  for  the  manifestation  of  God: 

a.  Psalm  13,  for  counsel  in  sorrow. 

b.  Psalm  22,  for  God’s  presence  in  extremity. 

c.  Psalm  71,  for  comforting  presence  of  God 

in  old  age. 

d.  Psalm  88,  for  a  glimpse  of  God’s  face. 

4.  Prayers  for  deliverance  : 

a.  Psalm  17,  from  insolent  foes. 

b.  Psalm  31,  from  distress. 

c.  Psalm  35,  from  malicious  foes. 

d.  Psalm  54,  from  oppression. 

e.  Psalms  64  and  70,  from  enemies. 

f.  Psalm  120,  from  slander. 

g.  Psalms  140  and  141,  from  the  wicked. 

h.  Psalm  142,  from  persecutors. 

5.  Prayers  for  guidance  and  mercy  : 

a.  Psalm  86,  for  guidance  and  favor. 

b.  Psalm  123,  for  divine  pity. 

II.  Petitions  That  Pertain  Also  to  the  Nation: 
1.  Petitions  for  deliverance  : 

[98] 


a.  Psalm  25,  from  enemies  and  troubles. 

b.  Psalm  44,  from  scorn  and  persecution. 

2.  Petitions  for  help  in  battle : 

a.  Psalm  60,  a  hymn  of  defeat. 

b.  Psalm  108,  a  hymn  of  victory. 

3.  Petitions  for  protection  : 

a.  Psalm  28,  against  the  wicked. 

b.  Psalm  74,  against  the  plunderer. 

4.  Petitions  for  preservation  : 

a.  Psalm  77,  for  preservation  as  of  old. 

b.  Psalm  79,  for  preservation  in  bitter  need. 

c.  Psalm  80,  for  preservation  of  Jehovah’s 

vine. 

5.  Prayer  for  restoration,  Psalm  85. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Jehovah’s  care  for  his  people. 

2.  The  development  of  prayer  among  the  Hebrews. 

SUGGESTIONS  FOR  CLASS  EXERCISES 

1.  Call  for  striking  psalms  or  passages  from  the  as¬ 

signment. 

2.  Analyze  Psalm  77,  the  cause  and  cure  of  the  psalm¬ 

ist’s  trouble. 

3.  Call  for  a  review  of  the  characteristics  of  Hebrew 

poetry,  and  have  various  members  of  the 
class  cite  passages  illustrating  parallelism. 


[99] 


STUDY  XLVII 

REFLECTIONS  ON  JEHOVAH  AND  HIS  WORKS 

I.  Reflections  on  the  Moral  Order  : 

1.  The  presence  of  justice  in  the  moral  order. 

a.  Psalms  9  and  10,  the  visitation  of  judg¬ 

ment  upon  the  godless. 

b.  Psalm  75,  God  an  impartial  judge. 

c.  Psalm  82,  God  the  upholder  of  justice. 

2.  The  apparent  hoplessness  of  life : 

a.  Psalm  39,  a  struggle  with  despair. 

b.  Psalm  90,  the  transitoriness  of  life. 

3.  The  ultimate  triumph  of  right : 

a.  Psalm  11,  trust  in  God’s  righteousness. 

b.  Psalm  36,  confidence  in  the  love  of  God. 

c.  Psalm  37,  the  vindication  of  the  righteous. 

d.  Psalm  62,  God  the  only  source  of  hope. 

e.  Psalm  90,  God,  the  eternal  dwelling  place. 

f.  Psalm  92,  the  loving  kindness  of  God. 

4.  The  ultimate  defeat  of  evil : 

a.  Psalm  14,  the  folly  of  denying  God. 

b.  Psalm  49,  the  brevity  of  the  triumph  of 

the  wicked. 

c.  Psalm  52,  the  doom  of  the  mighty  man  of 

mischief. 

d.  Psalm  73,  the  temporary  prosperity  and 

ultimate  destruction  of  the  wicked. 

e.  Psalm  94,  the  certainty  of  vengeance  on 

the  wicked. 

II.  Reflections  on  Divine  Providence  : 

1.  The  joy  of  fellowship  with  God : 

a.  Psalm  16,  a  song  of  consecration. 

b.  Psalm  112,  the  blessedness  of  Jehovah’s 

followers. 

[100] 


c.  Psalms  127  and  128,  Jehovah  the  source 

of  domestic  joys. 

d.  Psalm  144,  prosperity  of  Jehovah’s  people. 

2.  God’s  care  for  his  people : 

a.  Psalm  23,  the  Lord  as  a  shepherd. 

b.  Psalm  34,  Jehovah  the  protector  of  the 

godly. 

c.  Psalm  91,  Jehovah  the  refuge  of  the  godly. 

d.  Psalm  121,  Jehovah  the  guardian  of  his 

people. 

e.  Psalm  125,  Jehovah  an  unfailing  defense. 

f.  Psalm  139,  Jehovah  the  ever-present  God. 

III.  Further  Reflections  : 

1.  On  the  value  of  scripture: 

a.  Psalm  1,  result  of  meditating  on  the  law. 

b.  Psalm  19,  the  power  of  the  law. 

c.  Psalm  119,  meditation  on  the  law. 

2.  On  the  ideal  man : 

a.  Psalm  1,  the  nature  of  the  ideal  man. 

b.  Psalms  15  and  24,  the  ideal  man  as  a  true 

worshipper. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  optimism  of  the  Psalms. 

2.  The  scriptural  estimate  of  true  manhood  (See  Jer¬ 

emiah  5:1;  Isaiah  32:2). 

3.  The  “It  pays  to  be  good”  theory  in  the  Old  Testa¬ 

ment. 

4.  Jehovah  as  a  shepherd.  (See  also  Ezekiel  34;  John 

10). 

SUGGESTIONS  FOR  CLASS  EXERCISES 

1.  Call  for  citations  and  quotations.  Psalm  1,  15, 

19,  24,  and  121  are  favorites. 

2.  Read  Psalm  34  aloud  as  a  class. 

3.  Sum  up  the  best  statements  concerning  the  law. 


[101] 


STUDY  XLVIII 

JEHOVAH’S  PEOPLE,  THEIR  KING  AND  THEIR 
ENEMIES 


I.  Royal  Psalms  : 

1.  Events  in  the  life  of  the  king: 

a.  Psa’m  21,  coronation  anniversary. 

b.  Psalm  45,  a  royal  marriage  hymn. 

2.  Prayers  for  the  king’s  welfare : 

a.  Psalm  20,  for  success  in  battle. 

b.  Psalm  61,  for  preservation  of  the  king’s 

life. 

c.  Psalm  63,  for  the  overthrow  of  his  ene¬ 

mies. 

3.  The  character  of  the  king: 

a.  Psalm  72,  a  picture  of  a  righteous  king. 

b.  Psalm  101,  the  resolutions  of  a  righteous 

king. 

4.  The  dominion  of  the  king: 

a.  Psalm  2,  the  universality  of  his  reign. 

b.  Psalm  18,  his  triumph  in  all  phases  of  life. 

c.  Psalm  110,  his  victory  over  all  his  foes. 

5.  Yearning  for  the  messianic  king: 

a.  Psalm  89,  the  sure  promise  to  David. 

b.  Psalm  132,  the  certainty  of  fulfillment  of 

the  promise. 

II.  Historical  Psalms  : 

1.  The  unfaithfulness  of  Jehovah’s  people: 

a.  Psalm  78,  a  review  of  Israel’s  unfaithful¬ 

ness. 

b.  Psalm  81,  Israel’s  inexcusable  disobedi¬ 

ence. 

c.  Psalm  106,  Jehovah’s  mercy  and  Israel’s 

ingratitude. 

[102] 


2.  The  love  or  power  of  God  : 

a.  Psalm  105,  Jehovah’s  care  for  Israel. 

b.  Psalm  114,  God’s  providence. 

c.  Psalm  135,  God’s  love  as  revealed  in  Is¬ 

rael’s  history. 

d.  Psalm  136,  a  thanksgiving  for  God’s  love. 

3.  Imprecatory  psalms : 

a.  Psalm  58,  a  curse  upon  unrighteous  judges. 

b.  Psalm  59,  a  curse  upon  bloodthirsty  foes. 

c.  Psalm  69,  a  curse  upon  wanton  persecu¬ 

tors. 

d.  Psalm  83,  a  judgment  on  Israel’s  foes. 

e.  Psalm  109,  a  curse  on  the  curser. 

f.  Psalms  129  and  137,  a  curse  on  those  that 

hate  Zion. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  hate  literature  of  the  Hebrews. 

2.  The  Hebraic  conception  of  a  king. 

3.  The  messianic  conception  of  the  Psalms. 

4.  The  ethics  of  the  Psalms. 

SUGGESTIONS  FOR  CLASS  EXERCISES 

1.  Trace  the  history  of  Israel  as  narrated  in  the 

psalms. 

2.  Compare  the  imprecatory  psalms  with  the  doom 

literature  of  the  prophets. 

3.  Compare  the  ideas  of  a  righteous  ruler  in  the 

Psalms  with  the  conception  set  forth  in 
prophets,  especially  Isaiah  9  and  11. 

4.  As  a  closing  exercise,  call  attention  to  the  Hallels, 

and  read  selections  from  the  Egyptian 
Hallel  (111-118)  and  the  Great  Hallel 
(145-150)  by  groups. 


[  103] 


STUDY  XLIX 

THE  SONG  OF  SONGS  AND  THE  LAMENTATIONS 

I.  The  Song  of  Songs,  A  Wedding  Song: 

1.  Various  interpretations  of  the  book: 

a.  An  allegory  representing : 

( 1 )  The  love  of  God  and  Israel  (Hebrew) . 

(2)  The  love  of  Christ  and  the  church 

(Christian) . 

b.  A  cycle  of  Syrian  love  songs. 

c.  A  drama  commemorating  Solomn’s  wed¬ 

ding. 

d.  The  drama  of  a  shepherd  lover. 

2.  The  allegory  theory  : 

a.  For  main  ideas  see  the  headlines  in  the 

King  James  Version,  which  interprets 
the  book  from  the  Christian  point  of 
view. 

b.  The  Jewish  interpretation  merely  substi¬ 

tutes  Jehovah  for  Christ  and  Israel  in 
the  place  of  the  church. 

3.  The  Syrian  song-cycle  theory  : 

The  Oriental  custom  was  to  celebrate  the  wed¬ 
dings  for  a  week  with  dancing  and  song. 
The  bride  and  groom  masked  as  king  and 
queen.  References  to  this  custom  are  found 
in  Judges  14:  12  and  Tobit  11:19.  The  divi¬ 
sion  by  days  are  as  follows : 

a.  1:1-2: 6. 

b.  2:  7-3:  5. 

c.  3:  6-5:1. 

d.  5:  2-6:  8. 

e.  6:9-7:10. 

f.  7:11-8:3. 

g.  8:4-14. 


[104] 


4.  The  Solomon  wedding  theory  : 

The  outline  is  practically  the  same  as  above.  See 
the  arrangement  in  Moulton’s  Modern  Read¬ 
er’s  Bible. 

5.  The  shepherd  lover  theory  : 

a.  The  Shulamite  in  the  harem  (1: 1-2:7). 

b.  Reminiscences  brought  about  by  a  dream 

(2:  8-3:  5). 

c.  The  day  of  betrothal : 

(1)  The  approach  of  the  king  (3  :  5-5  : 1). 

(2)  The  maiden’s  aloofness  due  to  a 
dream  (5  :  2-6  :  3). 

(3)  The  king  resumes  his  flattery  to  be 
rebuffed  (6:4-12). 

(4)  The  dance  of  Mahanaim  and  the  es¬ 
cape  of  the  bride. 

(5)  The  king  flatters  the  Mahanaim 
dancer. 

d.  The  reunion  of  the  Shulamite  and  the 

shepherd  lover. 

(1)  Longings  for  Lebanon  (7 :  11-8:4). 

(2)  The  renewal  of  love  in  Lebanon. 

II.  The  Lamentations,  a  Dirge  : 

1.  The  significance  of  the  poem. 

2.  The  nature  of  the  poem. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Wedding  celebrations  among  the  Hebrews. 

2.  The  figure  of  the  bride  as  the  church. 

3.  The  imagery  of  the  Song  of  Solomon. 

4.  The  significance  of  the  Lamentations  in  the  life  of 

the  Jews. 

5.  Abishag  as  the  heroine  of  the  Song  of  Songs. 

6.  The  Song  of  Solomon  as  a  drama. 


[105] 


Us-'^  bJ* 


STUDY  L 

WISDOM  LITERATURE  AND  BIBLE  TEACHINGS  ON 

WISDOM 

Assignment:  Proverbs  1-9.  [s' 

I.  An  Outline  of  the  Study  of  Wisdom  Litera¬ 

ture  : 

1.  The  wise  men  as  teachers  of  ancient  Israel : 

a.  The  wise  men  as  contrasted  with  priests 

and  prophets. 

b.  The  methods  of  the  wise  men. 

2.  Wisdom  books  of  the  ancient  Hebrews : 

a.  Proverbs. 

b.  Ecclesiastes. 

c.  Job. 

d.  Ecclesiasticus. 

e.  The  wisdom  of  Solomon. 

3.  The  basis  of  Hebrewjihilosophy  : 

a.  The  existence  of  a  personal  God. 

b.  The  reality  of  divine  revelation. 

4.  Types  of  wisdom  literature  : 

a.  Riddle. 

b.  Fable. 

c.  Parable. 

d.  Proverbs. 

e.  Philosophical  drama. 

f.  Philosophical  essay  or  homily. 

II.  An  Outline  of  the  Book  of  Proverbs  : 

1.  Sonnets  on  wisdom  (1-9). 

2.  The  proverbs  of  Solomon  (10:  1-22:  16). 

3.  A  wisdom  epistle  (22:  17-24:22). 

4.  Postscript  to  the  wisdom  epistle  (24:23-34). 


[106] 


5.  Proverbs  of  Solomon  copied  by  Hezekiah’s 

men  (25-29). 

6.  The  words  of  Agur  (30). 

7.  The  words  of  Lemuel  (31). 

III.  The  Proverbs’  Commendation  of  Wisdom: 

1.  Words  of  warning: 

a.  Against  bad  company. 

b.  On  neglecting  wisdom. 

c.  Perversity. 

d.  Strange  women. 

e.  Laziness. 

f.  Tattling. 

2.  Qualities  of  wisdom  : 

a.  Delivers  from  evil. 

b.  Brings  prosperity. 

c.  Is  the  supreme  prize  of  God. 

d.  Furnishes  security. 

e.  Brings  health. 

3.  Further  thoughts  on  wisdom  : 

a.  The  tradition  of  wisdom. 

b.  The  two  paths. 

c.  The  two  houses. 

d.  Place  and  prestige  of  wisdom. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Comparison  of  priests,  prophets,  and  wise  men  as 

teachers. 

2.  The  apocryphal  books  of  wisdom. 

3.  Jesus’s  use  of  the  wisdom  methods  of  teaching. 

4.  The  estimate  of  wisdom  found  in  Job  28. 

5.  Wisdom  literature  in  the  early  part  of  the  Bible. 


[107] 


STUDY  LI 

THE  PROVERBS  OF  SOLOMON 
Assignment:  Proverbs  10:1-22:16. 

I.  Moral  Virtues  and  Their  Contrary  Vices: 

1.  Wisdom  and  folly. 

2.  Righteousness  and  wickedness. 

3.  Industry  and  indolence. 

4.  Love  and  hate. 

5.  Wealth  and  poverty. 

6.  Truth  and  falsehood. 

7.  Foolish  talk  and  prudent  talk. 

8.  Honesty  and  dishonesty. 

9.  Pride  and  meekness. 

10.  Kindness  and  cruelty. 

11.  Generosity  and  stinginess. 

12.  Hope  and  disappointment. 

13.  Contentment  and  discontentment. 

14.  Self-control  and  lack  of  self-control. 

15.  Temperance  and  intemperance. 

16.  Wise  and  foolish  women. 

II.  Warnings  and  Exhortations  : 

1.  Warnings: 

a.  Against  bad  judgment  (14  :  12). 

b.  Against  worry  ( 14 :  30 ;  17  :  22). 

c.  Against  injuring  one’s  brother  (18:  19). 

d.  Against  going  bond  (11:15;  17:18;  20 

16;  22:26,  27). 

e.  Against  bearing  false  witness  ( 14 :  25  ;  19 

"  5;  21:28). 


[108] 


2.  Exhortations : 

a.  To  restrain  jealousy  (14:30). 

b.  To  avoid  temptation  (14:  16). 

c.  To  choose  good  associates  (13:20). 

III.  Ideas  Concerning  God  in  the  Proverbs: 

1.  The  nature  of  God  : 

a.  Omnipotent  (21  :  1,  30). 

b.  Omniscient  (15:3,  11,21). 

c.  Just  (16:11 ;  21:3). 

2.  God  as  director  of  destiny : 

a.  Controls  man’s  speech  (16:  1). 

b.  Directs  man’s  fortunes  (16:9;  20:24). 

c.  Determines  the  lot  (16:33). 

3.  God  as  judge  and  defender: 

a.  God  as  defender  of  the  righteous  (18:  10; 

20:22). 

b.  God  as  judge  (16:2;  17:3;  21 :  2). 

4.  God  as  champion  of  : 

a.  The  widow  (15:25). 

b.  The  wise  (22:  12). 

c.  Those  who  trust  him  (16:  1). 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  practical  element  of  the  Book  of  Proverbs. 

2.  The  idea  of  God  in  the  Proverbs.  Compare  with 

the  God  of  the  prophets  or  Psalmist. 

3.  The  poetical  element  of  the  Proverbs. 


STUDY  LII 

OTHER  STUDIES  IN  THE  PROVERBS 
Assignment:  Proverbs  22:17-31:31. 

I.  Words  of  the  Wise  (22  : 17-24 :  34)  : 

1.  Some  observations : 

a.  On  the  transitoriness  of  riches. 

b.  On  gluttony. 

c.  On  unchastity. 

d.  On  wisdom. 

e.  On  respect  of  persons. 

f.  On  slothfulness. 

g.  On  diligence. 

2.  Some  warnings : 

a.  Against  oppressing  the  poor. 

b.  Against  friendship  with  a  wrathful  man. 

c.  Against  going  bond. 

d.  Against  removing  landmarks. 

e.  Against  envy  and  fretfulness. 

f.  Against  intemperance. 

g.  Against  false  witness  and  spite. 

II.  Proverbs  of  Solomon  Copied  by  Hezekiah's 

Men  (25-29)  : 

1.  Observations  on  various  topics  : 

a.  On  the  king. 

b.  On  fools. 

c.  On  the  sluggard. 

d.  On  social  pests. 

e.  On  good  husbandry. 

2.  Proverbs  and  epigrams  : 

a.  Attitude  towards  others  : 

(1)  Talking. 

(2)  Visiting. 


[HO] 


(3)  Being  kind. 

b.  Bad  traits  of  character : 

(1)  Lying. 

(2)  Boasting. 

(3)  Jealousy. 

(4)  Anger. 

(5)  Deceit. 

c.  On  the  law. 

III.  Shorter  Collections  : 

1.  The  sayings  of  Agur  : 

a.  The  unsearchableness  of  God. 

b.  The  golden  mean. 

c.  An  evil  generation. 

d.  Things  never  satisfied. 

e.  Things  not  to  be  known. 

f.  Things  not  to  be  borne. 

g.  Things  little  and  wise, 
g.  Things  stately  in  going. 

2.  The  words  of  King  Lemuel : 

a.  Warnings : 

( 1 )  Against  women. 

(2)  Against  wine. 

b.  The  virtuous  woman. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  social  teachings  of  the  Book  of  Proverbs. 

2.  Family  life  and  relationships  in  the  Proverbs. 

3.  The  attitude  of  the  Proverbs  toward  women. 


[Ill] 


STUDY  LIII 

ECCLESIASTES 

I.  The  Prologue: 

1.  The  problem  stated. 

2.  The  conclusion. 

II.  The  Quest  for  the  Highest  Good: 

1.  In  wisdom  and  pleasure  : 

a.  In  wisdom. 

b.  In  pleasure. 

c.  Comparison  of  wisdom  and  pleasure. 

d.  Conclusion. 

2.  In  business  : 

a.  Quest  obstructed  by  : 

(1)  Divine  ordinances. 

(2)  Human  injustice. 

(3)  Hopelessness  after  death. 

(4)  Jealousy  and  rivalry. 

b.  Some  helpful  observations  : 

(1)  Value  of  cooperation. 

(2)  Helpful  worship. 

(3)  The  joy  of  labor. 

(4)  The  folly  of  hoarding. 

c.  Conclusion. 

3.  In  wealth  and  the  golden  mean  : 

a.  Vanity  of  riches  : 

.  (1)  No  power  to  enjoy  them. 

(2)  No  satisfaction  in  them. 

b.  The  golden  mean  : 

(1)  Method  of  pursuing. 

(2)  Danger  of  it : 

(a)  Self-righteousness. 

(b)  Indifference  to  censure. 


[  112] 


(c)  Mistrust  of  women. 

(d)  Indifference  to  public  wrongs, 
c.  Conclusion. 

4.  The  quest  obtained  : 

a.  Where  not  found  : 

(1)  In  wisdom. 

(2)  Nor  pleasure. 

(3)  Nor  in  public-spiritedness. 

b.  Where  found : 

(1)  In  the  wise  use  and  enjoyment  of  the 

present  life. 

(2)  Faith  in  the  life  to  come. 

III.  Epilogue. 

!&::  ;i  i  n 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  pessimism  of  Ecclesiastes.  Compare  with  that 

of  the  Rubaiyat. 

2.  The  ethical  teaching  of  Ecclesiastes. 

3.  Immortality  in  the  Old  Testament. 

4.  The  “Two  Voices”  in  Ecclesiastes,  or  lights  and 

shadows.  Compare  with  the  Two  Voices 
by  Tennyson. 

5.  Comparison  of  the  hopelessness  of  Ecclesiastes  and 

the  Vanity  of  Human  Wishes  by  Dr.  John¬ 
son. 

6.  The  philosophy  of  the  golden  mean. 

7.  Man’s  inability  to  be  satisfied  with  material  things. 


[113] 


STUDY  LIV 

THE  BOOK  OF  JOB,  PART  I 
Assignment:  Job  1-14. 

I.  The  Prologue  (Chs.  1  and  2)  : 

1.  The  character  of  Job. 

2.  The  first  conclave  and  its  results : 

a.  Satan  obtains  permission  to  tempt  Job. 

b.  Job’s  afflictions. 

c.  The  result  of  the  temptation. 

3.  The  second  conclave  and  its  results : 

a.  Satan  gains  further  permission  to  tempt 

Job. 

b.  The  result  of  the  second  temptation. 

4.  The  visit  of  the  three  friends. 

II.  The  Curse  (Ch.  3)  : 

1.  The  implied  questions: 

a.  Why  was  I  born  ? 

b.  Why  did  I  not  die  at  birth  ? 

c.  Why  do  I  still  live? 

2.  The  realm  of  death. 

III.  The  Debate,  Cycle  I.  (Chs.  4-14)  : 

1.  The  first  speech  and  the  reply  : 

a.  The  speech  of  Eliphaz,  the  fatherly  an¬ 

cient  : 

(1)  Job’s  present  and  former  conditions 

contrasted. 

(2)  The  vision  revealing  sin  as  the  cause 

of  suffering. 

(3)  A  recommendation  to  repentance. 

b.  Job’s  reply  to  Eliphaz : 

(1)  Job  justifies  his  impatience. 


[114] 


(2)  Upbraids  his  friends  for  lack  of  sym¬ 

pathy. 

(3)  Complains  bitterly  of  his  sufferings. 

2.  The  second  speech  and  reply : 

a.  The  speech  of  Bildad,  the  traditional 

orthodox : 

(1)  A  doubt  of  Job’s  innocence. 

(2)  An  appeal  to  tradition. 

(3)  A  hope  of  restoration. 

b.  Job’s  reply  to  Bildad  : 

( 1 )  His  hopelessness  because  : 

(a)  He  cannot  argue  with  God. 

(b)  Of  the  brevity  of  life. 

(c)  He  cannot  reach  God. 

(2)  An  expression  of  bitterness : 

(a)  Wonders  at  God’s  treatment  of  him. 

(b)  Begs  for  peace. 

3.  The  third  speech  and  reply: 

a.  The  speech  of  Zophar,  the  discourteous 

dogmatist. 

(1)  Rails  at  Job  for  presumption. 

(2)  Recommends  repentance. 

b.  Job’s  reply  to  Zophar : 

(1)  Contrasts  his  wisdom  with  that  of  his 

friends. 

(2)  Demands  right  to  argue  his  case  with 

God. 

(3)  Asks  God  to  consider  human  frailty. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Character  of  each  of  the  friends. 

2.  Problem  of  the  Book  of  Job ;  various  solutions. 

3.  The  patience  of  Job. 

4.  Persons  and  places  of  the  drama. 

5.  The  attitude  of  Job’s  wife. 

6.  Oriental  grief  and  mourning. 

[115] 


STUDY  LV 

THE  BOOK  OF  JOB,  PART  II 
Assignment:  Job  15-30. 


I.  The  Debate,  Cycle  II: 

1.  Eliphaz’s  second  speech  and  the  reply: 

a.  The  speech  of  Eliphaz  : 

(1)  Accuses  Job  of  impiety. 

(2)  Describes  the  afflictions  of  the  wicked. 

b.  Reply  of  Job  to  Eliphaz : 

(1)  Appeals  from  his  friends  to  God. 

(2)  Asks  God  to  stand  his  security. 

2.  Bildad’s  second  speech  and  the  reply : 

a.  The  speech  of  Bildad : 

(1)  Resents  Job’s  attitude. 

(2)  Narrates  the  sorrows  of  the  wicked. 

b.  Job’s  reply : 

(1)  Protests  against  the  attitude  of  his 

friends. 

(2)  Recounts  his  sorrows. 

(3)  Manifests  growing  confidence  in  God. 

3.  Zophar’s  second  speech  and  the  reply : 

a.  Zophar’s  speech : 

(1)  The  shortness  of  the  triumph  of  the 

wicked. 

(2)  The  ultimate  doom  of  the  wicked. 

b.  Job’s  reply  to  Zophar: 

( 1 )  Accuses  his  friends  of  falsehood. 

(2)  Shows  that  wickedness  has  no  connec¬ 

tion  with  material  success  or 
failure. 

II.  The  Debate,  Cycle  III : 

1.  Eliphaz’s  third  speech  and  the  reply: 

[116] 


a.  The  speech  of  Eliphaz : 

(1)  Enumerates  Job’s  supposed  sins. 

(2)  Exhorts  repentance. 

b.  Job’s  reply  to  Eliphaz  : 

(1)  Renews  his  demand  to  find  God. 

(2)  Again  protests  his  innocence. 

(3)  Denies  connection  between  sin  and 

suffering. 

2.  Bildad’s  third  speech  and  the  reply : 

a.  The  speech  of  Bildad : 

(1)  The  greatness  of  God. 

(2)  The  puniness  of  man. 

b.  Job’s  reply  to  Bildad  : 

(1)  The  uselessness  of  Bildad’s  speech. 

(2)  A  refusal  to  admit  guilt  when  inno¬ 

cent. 

3.  Zophar’s  third  speech  and  the  reply : 

a.  Zophar’s  speech : 

(1)  The  portion  of  the  wicked. 

(2)  The  search  for  wisdom. 

b.  Job’s  reply  to  Zophar : 

(1)  Job’s  former  days. 

(2)  The  present  evil  conditions. 

(3)  His  fearful  afflictions. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Job’s  rebellion.  Compare  Carlyle’s  Sartor  Resar- 

tus,  the  Everlasting  No. 

2.  Job’s  self-assertion.  Compare  Henley’s  Invictus. 

3.  Goodness  as  a  basis  of  prosperity.  See  Bacon’s 

essay,  Of  Adversity. 

4.  The  search  for  wisdom. 

5.  Job,  the  Hebrew  Prometheus. 


[117] 


STUDY  LVI 

THE  BOOK  OF  JOB,  PART  III 
Assignment:  Job  31-42. 


I.  The  Oath  of  Clearing;  Job  Declares  His  In¬ 
nocence. 


II.  The  Speech  of  Elihu: 

1.  The  interposition  of  Elihu. 

2.  The  speech  of  Elihu  : 

a.  Elihu’s  reasons  for  speaking: 

(1)  Wishes  to  show  God’s  providence. 

(2)  Wishes  to  vindicate  God’s  righteous¬ 

ness. 

b.  Further  arguments  of  Elihu  : 

(1)  Condemns  Job  for  self-righteousness. 

(2)  Enlarges  on  the  righteousness  of  God. 

(3)  Shows  the  greatness  of  God’s  majesty. 

(4)  Reminds  Job  of  his  weakness  and 

ignorance. 


III.  Divine  Intervention  : 

1.  The  challenge  of  the  Almighty. 

2.  God’s  power  as  expressed  in  nature. 

3.  Some  striking  pictures  : 

a.  Pictures  of  creation. 

b.  The  mysteries  of  the  heavens. 

c.  The  war  horse. 

d.  Behemoth. 

e.  Leviathan. 

4.  The  voice  dies  away  in  the  distance. 

5.  The  repentance  of  Job. 


t  118] 


IV.  The  Epilogue: 

1.  God’s  attitude  toward  the  three  friends: 

a.  Is  angry  with  them. 

b.  Demands  sacrifice. 

c.  Job  to  pray  for  his  friends. 

2.  The  aftermath : 

a.  Recognition  and  comfort  by  Job’s  former 

acquaintances. 

b.  Increase  of  his  possessions. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  God  as  expressed  in  nature.  Compare  the  Psalms. 

2.  The  solution  for  the  problem  of  suffering. 

3.  The  significance  of  the  Book  of  Job  in  the  life  of 

the  Hebrews. 

4.  Comparison  of  the  problem  of  suffering  in  Job  and 

Isaiah. 

5.  Nature  poetry  of  Isaiah  and  Job  compared. 

6.  The  character  of  Job. 

7.  The  poetical  element  of  the  Book  of  Job. 

8.  The  conception  of  God  in  the  Book  of  Job. 

9.  Influence  of  suffering  on  character. 


[119] 


STUDY  LVII 

REVIEW 
Study  XLIII 

1.  Name  the  Hebrew  classics,  and  discuss  the 

use  of  the  “little  classics.” 

2.  Discuss  Hebrew  poetry;  define  and  illustrate 

parallelism. 

3.  Discuss  the  Hebrew  Psalter,  its  history,  uses, 

and  importance. 

Study  XLIV 

1.  Discuss  God  as  manifested  in  nature.  Com¬ 

pare  with  Job  and  Isaiah. 

2.  Indicate  the  character  of  God  as  pictured  in 

the  Psalms. 

Study  XLV 

1.  Show  how  the  Psalms  indicate  the  love  of  God 

for  his  people. 

2.  Discuss  the  psalmist’s  expression  of  the  love 

for  the  temple. 

Study  XL VI 

1.  Discuss  the  nature  of  the  Psalms  of  petition. 
Study  XLVII 

1.  Give  the  psalmist’s  idea  of  moral  order. 

2.  Indicate  the  care  of  God  as  portrayed  in  the 

Psalms. 

3.  What  is  the  psalmist’s  idea  of  the  value  of 

scripture?  Of  the  ideal  man? 

Study  XLVIII 

1.  Trace  the  history  of  Israel  as  seen  in  the 

Psalter. 

2.  Discuss  the  Imprecatory  Psalms. 

[120] 


Study  XLIX 


1.  Give  the  various  theories  concerning  the  Song 

of  Solomon. 

2.  Indicate  the  nature  of  Lamentations,  and  state 

its  significance. 

Study  L 

1.  Contrast  the  wise  men  with  priests  and  proph¬ 

ets  as  teachers. 

2.  Differentiate  types  of  wisdom  literature. 

3.  Discuss  the  commendation  of  wisdom  in  the 

Proverbs. 

Study  LI 

1.  Give  some  of  the  leading  ideas  in  the  proverbs 

of  moral  virtues  and  their  contrary  vices. 

2.  Indicate  the  nature  of  the  warnings  and  ex¬ 

hortations  in  the  Proverbs. 

Study  LII 

1.  Indicate  the  social  teachings  of  the  Book  of 

Proverbs. 

2.  Give  some  idea  of  the  conception  of  woman  as 

expressed  in  the  Proverbs. 

Study  LIII 

1.  Outline  the  Book  of  Ecclesiastes. 

2.  Discuss  pessimism  as  portrayed  in  the  book. 

Studies  LIV,  LV,  LVI 

1.  State  the  problem  of  the  Book  of  Job,  and 

outline  the  solution. 

2.  Discuss  the  character  of  Job’s  three  friends. 

3.  Discuss  Job’s  rebellion  and  self-assertion. 

4.  Give  an  estimate  of  the  character  of  Job. 

5.  Give  the  fine  pictures  from  the  book. 

[  121  ] 


STUDY  LVIII 

BETWEEN  THE  TESTAMENTS 

I.  The  History  of  the  Period: 

1.  The  Maccabean  Period  (168  B.  C.  to  63  B.  C.)  : 

a.  The  kingdom  under  Alexander. 

b.  The  conquest  of  Antiochus  III. 

c.  The  desolation  under  Antiochus  Epiph- 

anes. 

d.  The  revolt  of  the  Maccabees. 

2.  The  Roman  Period  (Beginning  63  B.  C)  : 

a.  The  conquest  of  Pompey. 

b.  The  rule  of  Herod  the  Great. 

II.  The  Literature  of  the  Period  : 

1.  The  completion  of  the  Canon  of  the  Old  Tes¬ 

tament. 

2.  The  Books  of  the  Apocrypha : 

a.  I  and  II  Esdras. 

b.  Tobit. 

c.  Judith. 

d.  Additions  to  the  Book  of  Esther. 

e.  The  Wisdom  of  Solomon. 

f.  Ecclesiasticus. 

g.  Baruch. 

h.  The  Song  of  the  Three  Holy  Children. 

i.  The  History  of  Susanna. 

j.  The  History  of  the  Destruction  of  Bel 

and  the  Dragon. 

k.  The  Prayer  of  Manasseh. 

l.  I  and  II  Maccabees. 

3.  The  significance  of  the  Apocrypha  : 

a.  Historical  value. 

b.  Theological  interest. 


[122] 


III.  Conditions  in  Judea  at  the  Time  of  the 

Birth  of  Christ  : 

1.  Political: 

a.  Judea  a  political  dependency  of  Rome. 
t>.  Taxation  in  Judea, 
c.  Jewish  courts  of  justice. 

2.  Religio-political  parties : 

a.  The  Pharisees.  d.  The  Herodians. 

b.  The  Sadducees.  e.  The  Essenes. 

c.  The  Zealots.  f.  The  Samaritans. 

3.  Religious  and  social  conditions : 

a.  Centralized  worship  in  the  temple. 

b.  Synagogue  worship. 

c.  Home  life  and  customs. 

IV.  The  Jewish  Background  of  Christianity: 

1.  The  foci  of  Jewish  religion: 

a.  The  Law : 

(1)  Training  for  the  law. 

(2)  The  religion  of  the  law. 

b.  The  Messianic  hope  : 

(1)  Its  forms : 

(a)  A  political  kingdom. 

(b)  An  apocalyptic  hope. 

(2)  Its  dangers . 

2.  National  contributions  to  the  kingdom : 

a.  Roman  law  and  world  unity. 

b.  Grecian  thought. 

c.  Jewish  faith,  people,  and  writings. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  heroism  of  the  Maccabees. 

2.  The  Jewish  background  of  Christianity. 

3.  Jewish  religion  in  the  days  of  Jesus. 

4.  The  development  of  the  messianic  idea. 

[123] 


STUDY  LIX 

THE  GOSPEL  OF  MATTHEW :  JESUS  THE  MESSIAH 
Assignment:  Matthew  1-10. 

I.  Events  Prior  to  the  Ministry  of  Jesus  : 

1.  The  birth  and  childhood  of  Jesus: 

a.  The  birth  of  Jesus. 

b.  The  visit  of  the  wise  men. 

c.  The  flight  into  Egypt. 

d.  The  slaughter  of  the  infants. 

e.  The  return  to  Nazareth. 

2.  John  the  Baptist  and  the  appearance  of  Jesus 

in  public : 

a.  John,  the  forerunner  of  Jesus. 

b.  The  baptism  of  Jesus. 

c.  The  temptation  in  the  wilderness. 

II.  The  Opening  of  the  Ministry  of  Jesus: 

1.  Early  events  of  his  ministry : 

a.  Jesus  calls  four  disciples. 

b.  Jesus  heals  the  multitudes. 

2.  The  Sermon  on  the  Mount : 

a.  The  Beatitudes.  (Quote). 

b.  The  nature  of  his  followers : 

(1)  Salt  of  the  earth. 

(2)  Light  of  the  world. 

(3)  Better  than  the  Pharisees. 

c.  Directions  as  to  conduct : 

(1)  As  to  anger. 

(2)  As  to  lust. 

(3)  As  to  swearing. 

(4)  As  to  attitude  toward  enemies. 

d.  On  prayer  and  fasting: 

(1)  As  to  attitude. 

(2)  As  to  content. 

[  124] 


e.  Attitude  toward  material  things  : 

(1)  Against  material  things. 

(2)  Carefreeness  as  to  material  things. 

f.  Sundry  exhortations. 

g.  On  hearing  and  doing. 

III.  Gathering  and  Organizing  the  Disciples: 

1.  Some  miracles  by  the  way  : 

a.  The  leper  healed. 

b.  The  centurion’s  servant  healed. 

c.  Simon’s  wife’s  mother  cured. 

d.  The  sea  calmed. 

e.  The  Gadarene  maniac  healed. 

f.  The  palsied  forgiven. 

g.  The  issue  of  blood  cured. 

h.  Jairus’s  daughter  raised. 

i.  BfincTmen  cured. 

2.  The  apostles  chosen  and  commissioned  : 

a.  The  twelve  apostles. 

b.  The  commission  : 

(1)  Scope. 

(2)  Directions. 

(3)  Nature  of  kingdom. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  nature  of  the  kingdom. 

2.  The  character  of  citizenship  in  the  kingdom. 

3.  The  temptation  of  Jesus. 

4.  The  practicability  of  the  teachings  of  Jesus. 

5.  The  Beatitudes  and  the  Ten  Commandments. 


[125] 


STUDY  LX 

THE  GOSPEL  OF  MATTHEW:  JESUS  THE  MESSIAH 
Assignment :  Matthew  11-20. 

I.  The  Isolation  of  Jesus  and  His  Ministry: 

1.  The  doubts  of  John  the  Baptist. 

2.  The  opposition  of  the  Pharisees : 

a.  Because  they  misunderstood  him. 

b.  Because  he  desecrated  their  sabbath. 

c.  Open  antagonism. 

d.  The  demand  for  a  sign. 

e.  Jesus  defines  kinship  with  himself. 

II.  A  Series  of  Parables  : 

1.  The  Parable  of  the  Sower: 

a.  The  parable. 

b.  The  interpretation. 

2.  The  Tares : 

a.  The  parable. 

b.  The  explanation. 

3.  The  Mustard  Seed,  i 

4.  The  Leaven. 

5.  The  Treasure. 

6.  The  Pearl  of  Great  Price. 

7.  The  Net. 

8.  The  Householder. 

III.  The  Greater  Miracles  and  the  Growing 

Antagonism  : 

1.  The  miracles : 

.a.  The  feeding  of  the  five  thousand. 

b.  Jesus  walking  on  the  sea. 

c.  Curing  many  sick. 


[126] 


d.  Healing  the  daughter  of  the  Canaanitish 
woman.. 

2.  The  growing  antagonism  : 

a.  Without  honor  in  his  own  country, 
h.  John  the  Baptist  beheaded. 

c.  Attack  on  the  tradition  of  the  elders. 

d.  Warning  against  the  Pharisaic  leaven. 

IV.  The  Kingdom  Begins  to  Dawn  Upon  the 
Disciples : 

1.  Recognition  of  the  nature  of  Christ  and  his 

mission : 

a.  The  confession  at  Caesarea. 

b.  The  announcement  of  Christ’s  sufferings. 

c.  The  transfiguration. 

2.  Parables  treating  of  the  kingdom : 

a.  The  Fellow  Servants. 

b.  The  Hired  Laborers. 

3.  Questions  concerning  the  kingdom  : 

a.  The  relation  of  children  of  the  kingdom 

to  established  authority. 

b.  The  nature  of  citizens  of  the  kingdom. 

c.  Treatment  of  sin  in  the  kingdom. 

d.  The  place  of  honor  in  the  kingdom. 

e.  Service,  the  law  of  the,  kingdom. 

4.  Other  incidents  on  the  way : 

a.  Blessing  little  children. 

b.  The  rich  young  ruler. 

c.  The  healing  of  the  blind  man. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  “leaven”  of  the  Pharisees. 

2.  The  sign  of  the  Prophet  Jonah. 

3.  Parables  of  the  kingdom. 

4.  Greatness  in  the  kingdom  of  God. 

5.  Jesus’s  treatment  of  children  and  women. 

[  127] 


5 


STUDY  LXI 

THE  GOSPEL  OF  MATTHEW:  JESUS  THE  MESSIAH 
Assignment :  Matthew  21-28.  • 

I.  Jesus  Arrives  at  Jerusalem  : 

1.  Incidents  of  the  entry  : 

a.  The  entry  and  reception. 

b.  The  cleansing  of  the  temple. 

c.  The  fig  tree. 

2.  Clash  with  the  ruling  classes : 

a.  The  authority  of  Jesus  questioned. 

b.  Parables  illustrating  the  attitude  toward 

Jesus : 

(1)  The  Two  Sons. 

(2)  The  Husbandmen  and  Heir. 

(3)  The  Marriage  Feast. 

c.  Questions  asked  to  ensnare  Jesus : 

(1)  As  to  tribute. 

(2)  As  to  marriage  in  heaven. 

(3)  As  to  the  great  commandment. 

d.  The  denunciation  of  the  Scribes  and 

Pharisees. 

e.  The  lament  over  Jerusalem. 

II.  The  Revelation  of  the  End: 

1.  Warnings  of  the  end  : 

a.  Preliminary  tribulations. 

b.  The  tribulation  of  Judea. 

c.  The  signs  of  the  coming  of  the  Son  of 

Man. 

d.  The  suddenness  of  the  end. 

2.  Parables  of  the  end : 

a.  The  Ten  Virgins. 

b.  The  Talents. 

c.  Final  Judgment. 

[128] 


III.  The  Passion  and  Resurrection  of  Jesus  : 

1.  Preparation  for  the  end: 

a.  The  anointing. 

b.  The  bargain  of  Judas. 

c.  The  Last  Supper. 

2.  The  arrest  on  Olivet : 

a.  The  agony  in  Gethsemane. 

b.  The  betrayal  and  arrest. 

3.  The  trial : 

a.  Before  Caiaphas. 

b.  The  denial. 

c.  The  repentance  of  Judas. 

d.  Before  Pilate. 

4.  The  crucifixion. 

5.  The  burial : 

a.  Jesus  is  buried  in  Joseph’s  tomb. 

b.  The  sepulchre  is  sealed  and  the  guard  set. 

6.  The  resurrection : 

a.  The  appearance  of  Jesus. 

b.  The,  bribing  of  the  guards. 

7.  The  commission  and  ascension. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  character  of  Judas. 

2.  The  great  commission. 

3.  The  nature  and  characteristics  of  Matthew’s  Gos¬ 

pel. 

4.  The  purpose  of  the  Gospel  of  Matthew. 

5.  Collected  sayings  of  Jesus. 

6.  Identity  of  Matthew. 


[129] 


STUDY  LXII 

THE  GOSPEL  OF  MARK:  JESUS  THE  WONDER 
WORKER 

Assignment :  Mark  1:1-7:24. 

I.  Preparation  for  the  Messiah's  Preaching: 

1.  Heralded  by  John  the  Baptist. 

2.  Baptized  and  proclaimed  the  Son  of  God. 

3.  Prepared  for  work  by  meditation  and  fasting. 

II.  Work  and  Teaching  in  Galilee: 

1.  The  work  of  Jesus  in  Galilee: 

a.  Miracles : 

(1)  Casting  out  devils. 

(2)  Healing  Simon’s  wife’s  mother. 

(3)  Healing  the  leper. 

(4)  Forgiving  the  palsied  man. 

(5)  Restoring  the  withered  hand. 

(6)  Stilling  the  storm. 

(7)  Curing  the  maniac  of  the  Gerasene 

country. 

(8)  Raising  the  daughter  of  Jairus. 

(9)  Feeding  the  five  thousand. 

(10)  Walking  on  the  water. 

b.  Other  events  of  the  Galilean  Ministry : 

(1)  Calling  of  the  first  four  disciples. 

(2)  Calling  of  Levi. 

(3)  Sending  out  the  twelve. 

(4)  The  beheading  of  John  the  Baptist. 

2.  Some  teachings  of  Jesus  in  Galilee : 

a.  Some  parables : 

( 1 )  The  Sower  : 

(a)  The  parable. 

(b)  The  explanation. 


[130] 


(2)  The  Mustard  Seed. 

(3)  The  Growth  of  Corn, 
b.  Other  teachings  : 

(1)  As  to  the  Sabbath. 

(2)  The  unpardonable  sin. 

(3)  Kinship  with  Jesus. 

(4)  On  the  tradition  of  the  elders. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  unpardonable  sin. 

2.  The  idea  of  growth  in  the  kingdom. 

3.  The  nature  and  purposes  of  the  Gospel  of  Mark. 

4.  The  synoptic  problem. 

5.  Mark  on  the  parables. 


[131] 


STUDY  LXIII 

THE  GOSPEL  OF  MARK:  JESUS  THE  WONDER 
WORKER 

Assignment:  Mark  7 :24-16:20. 

I.  Work  Outside  Galilee  : 

1.  Further  miracles: 

a.  Healing  of  the  Syrophoenician  girl. 

b.  Curing  of  the  deaf  mute. 

c.  Feeding  of  the  four  thousand. 

d.  Restoring  of  sight  to  the  blind. 

e.  Casting  out  of  the  dumb  spirit. 

2.  Further  teachings : 

a.  The  leaven  of  the  Pharisees. 

b.  The  cost  of  discipleship. 

c.  The  nature  of  the  kingdom. 

d.  Warning  against  offenses. 

e.  On  divorce. 

f.  On  the  danger  of  riches. 

g.  The  great  promise. 

3.  Other  events  of  this  period : 

a.  The  demand  for  a  sign. 

b.  The  transfiguration. 

c.  The  child  in  the  midst. 

d.  Blessing  the  little  children. 

II  The  Ministry  in  Jerusalem  : 

1.  On  the  way  to  Jerusalem: 

a.  Jesus  foretells  his  death. 

b.  The  request  of  the  sons  of  Zebedee. 

c.  The  healing  of  blind  Bartimaeus. 

d.  The  entrance  into  the  city. 

2.  Events  and  teachings  in  and  near  Jerusalem 

a.  Events : 

(1)  The  cursing  of  the  fig  tree. 


[132] 


(2)  The  cleansing  of  the  temple. 

(3)  The  anointing  in  the  house  of  Simon, 
b.  Teachings  in  Jerusalem: 

(1)  On  faith. 

(2)  On  his  authority. 

(3)  On  the  rejection  of  the  corner  stone. 

(4)  On  tribute. 

(5)  On  marriage  in  heaven. 

(6)  On  the  great  commandment. 

(7)  On  hypocrisy. 

(8)  On  true  giving. 

(9)  On  last  things. 

III.  Closing  Events  in  the  Ministry  of  Jesus: 

1.  The  arrest  and  trial: 

a.  The  Last  Supper. 

b.  Gethsemane. 

c.  The  betrayal, 

c.  The  arrest. 

e.  The  denial. 

f.  The  trial : 

(1)  Before  the  priests. 

(2)  Before  Pilate. 

2.  The  crucifixion  and  resurrection : 

a.  The  crucifixion. 

b.  The  resurrection. 

c.  Post-resurrection  appearance  and  teaching. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  cup  and  baptism  of  Jesus. 

2.  “The  signs  that  followed.” 

3.  The  great  promise. 

4.  Mark’s  picture  of  Jesus. 


[133] 


STUDY  LXIV 

THE  GOSPEL  OF  LUKE:  JESUS  THE  WORLD’S 

SAVIOR 

Assignment :  Luke  1-9:50. 

I.  The  Birth  and  Childhood  of  Jesus  : 

1.  Events  immediately  preceding  the  birth  of 

Jesus : 

a.  The  announcement  to  Zacharias. 

b.  The  annunciation  to  Mary. 

c.  The  magnificat  or  song  of  Mary. 

d.  The  birth  of  John  the  Baptist. 

e.  The  prophecy  of  Zacharias. 

2.  The  birth  and  childhood  of  Jesus : 

a.  Visit  of  the  shepherds. 

b.  Simeon  and  Anna. 

c.  Christ  among  the  lawyers. 

II.  John  the  Baptist  and  Jesus’s  Public  Appear¬ 

ance  : 

1.  John’s  ministry. 

2.  The  baptism  of  Jesus. 

3.  The  temptation  of  Jesus. 

III.  The  Early  Ministry  of  Jesus  in  Galilee: 

1.  Opening  events: 

a.  At  Nazareth : 

( 1 )  The  message. 

(2)  Its  effect. 

b.  At  Capernaum : 

( 1 )  His  teachings. 

(2)  His  miracles. 

c.  The  draught  of  fishes. 

d.  The  leper. 

2.  The  rise  of  opposition  : 

[  134] 


a.  Healing  the  palsied  and  forgiving  sins. 

b.  Feasting  at  Levi’s  house  with  publicans 

and  sinners. 

c.  Violation  of  the  Sabbath : 

(1)  Plucking  corn  on  the  Sabbath. 

(2)  Healing  the  withered  hand. 

3.  The  discourse  to  his  disciples : 

a.  The  choosing  of  the  twelve. 

b.  The  sermon. 

4.  Other  events  of  this  ministry : 

a.  Healing  the  centurion’s  son. 

b.  Raising  the  widow’s  son. 

c.  John’s  embassy  to  Jesus: 

(1)  John’s  inquiry. 

(2)  Jesus’s  reply. 

(3)  Jesus’s  tribute  to  John. 

d.  The  anointing  and  the  parable. 

e.  The  parable  of  the  sower. 

f .  Incidents  around  the;  Sea  of  Galilee : 

(1)  The  storm. 

(2)  The  healing  of  the  maniac. 

(3)  The  curing  of  the  issue  of  blood. 

(4)  The  raising  of  the  daughter  of  Jairus. 

g.  The  organization  of  the  apostles  : 

(1)  Their  instructions. 

(2)  The  result  of  their  mission. 

h.  The  feeding  of  the  five  thousand. 

i.  Recognition  of  Christ  and  announcement 

of  his  suffering. 

j.  The  transfiguration  and  subsequent  events  : 

(1)  The  boy  possessed  of  a  devil. 

(2)  Teaching  of  right  attitudes. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  relations  of  Jesus  and  John  the  Baptist. 

2.  Jesus’s  attitude  towards  the  Sabbath. 


[135] 


STUDY  LXV 

THE  GOSPEL  OF  LUKE:  JESUS  THE  WORLD’S 

SAVIOR 

Assignment:  Lake  9:51-19:28. 

I.  Incidents  on  the  Way  to  Jerusalem  : 

1.  The  homeless  master: 

a.  The  incident  of  the  Samaritan  village. 

b.  “The  son  of  man  hath  not  where  to  lay 

his  head.” 

2.  The  seventy  sent  forth  : 

a.  The  commission. 

b.  The  return. 

c.  The  rejoicing  of  Jesus. 

3.  Other  incidents  on  the  way: 

a.  Herod  threatens  Jesus. 

b.  Jesus  cures  the  dropsy. 

c.  Jesus  cures  the  ten  lepers. 

d.  Jesus  cures  the  blind  beggar. 

e.  Jesus  dines  with  Zaccheus. 

f.  Jesus  cures  the  infirm  woman. 

II.  Teachings  on  the  Way  to  Jerusalem  : 

1.  Parables  on  the  way: 

a.  The  Good  Samaritan. 

b.  The  Importunate  Friend. 

c.  The  Rich  Fool. 

d.  The  Faithful  Steward. 

e.  The  Barren  Fig  Tree. 

f.  The  Great  Supper. 

g.  Parables  of  lost  things : 

(1)  The  Lost  Sheep. 

(2)  The  Lost  Coin. 

(3)  The  Prodigal  Son. 


[136] 


h.  The  Unjust  Steward. 

i.  The  Rich  Man  and  Lazarus., 

j.  The  Unjust  Judge. 

k.  The  Pounds. 

2.  Other  teachings  on  the  way : 

a.  The  Lord’s  Prayer. 

b.  The  sign. 

c.  Accusation  against  the  Pharisees. 

d.  God’s  care  for  his  children. 

e.  The  disturbing  nature  of  his  kingdom. 

f.  The  necessity  of  repentance. 

g.  On  forgiveness. 

h.  The  revelation  of  the  kingdom. 

i.  Premonitions  of  approaching  danger. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Jesus  as  a  miracle  worker. 

2.  The  nature  of  parables  and  Jesus’s  use  of  them. 

3.  The  nature  of  God  as  revealed  by  the  teachings  of 

Jesus.  Compare  with  the  Psalms. 

4.  Jesus’s  teachings  on  prayer. 

5.  Jesus’s  quarrel  with  the  Pharisees. 

6.  The  nature  of  the  transfiguration. 

7.  Missionary  activity  of  Jesus  towards  “foreigners.” 

8.  Jesus’s  works  of  healing. 


[137] 


STUDY  LX VI 

THE  GOSPEL  OF  LUKE:  JESUS  THE  WORLD’S 

SAVIOR 

Assignment :  Luke  19:29-24:53. 

I.  Jesus  in  Jerusalem  : 

1.  Entry  into  Jerusalem. 

2.  Some  teachings : 

a.  Parable  of  the  Husbandmen  and  the  Heir. 

b.  The  test  questions. 

(1)  Tribute  to  Caesar. 

(2)  The  resurrection. 

c.  On  hypocrisy. 

d.  On  giving. 

e.  On  the  end  of  things. 

II.  The  Passion  and  Resurrection  of  Jesus: 

1.  The  arrest  and  murder  : 

a.  The  plot  against  Jesus. 

b.  The  last  supper : 

(1)  Preparation. 

(2)  The  eating  of  the  Passover. 

(3)  The  contention. 

(4)  Jesus  foretells  Peter’s  denial. 

c.  Gethsemane. 

d.  The  betrayal. 

e.  The  arrest. 

f.  Peter  denies  Christ. 

g.  The  trial : 

(1)  The  mistreatment  of  Jesus. 

(2)  Jesus  before  the  council. 

(3)  Jesus  before  Pilate. 

(4)  Jesus  before  Herod. 

(5)  Jesus  again  before  Pilate: 

(a)  The  offer  to  release  Barabbas. 

(b)  Pilate  consents  to  the  crucifixion. 

[138] 


h.  The  crucifixion : 

(1)  Simon  bears  the  cross. 

(2)  Jesus  prophesies  the  downfall  of 

Jerusalem. 

(3)  At  the  cross. 

i.  The  burial. 

2.  The  resurrection  and  ascension  : 

a.  At  the  tomb  : 

(1)  The  women. 

(2)  Peter. 

b.  On  the  way  to  Emmaus. 

c.  At  Jerusalem. 

d.  The  ascension. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Jesus’s  teachings  on  the  end  of  things. 

2.  Evidences  of  the  resurrection. 

3.  The  institution  of  the  Lord’s  Supper. 

4.  The  purpose  of  the  Gospel  of  Luke. 

5.  The  world  note  in  the  Gospel  of  Luke. 

6.  The  trial  of  Jesus. 


[  139] 


STUDY  LXVII 

THE  GOSPEL  OF  JOHN :  JESUS  THE  REVELATION 

OF  GOD 

Assignment :  John  1-6. 

I.  Prologue,  Jesus  the  Divine  Word: 

1.  The  nature  of  the  Word: 

a.  Co-existent  with  God. 

b.  Co-equal  with  God  in  power. 

2.  The  witness  of  John  to  the  Word: 

a.  John  a  witness  to  the  light. 

b.  The  testimony  of  John. 

3.  The  manifestation  of  the  Word : 

a.  In  glory. 

b.  In  grace  and  truth. 

II.  Early  Signs  and  Witnesses  of  Jesus: 

1.  The  witness  of  John  and  other  disciples  : 

a.  John  announces  his  relation  to  Christ. 

b.  The  witnesses  at  the  time  of  the  baptism. 

c.  The  announcement  of  the  Lamb  of  God. 

d.  The  witness  of  other  disciples : 

( 1 )  Andrew. 

(2)  Philip. 

(3)  Nathanael. 

2.  The  witness  in  Cana  of  Galilee : 

a.  The  wedding  feast. 

b.  The  miracle. 

3.  The  witness  in  the  temple  : 

a.  The  cleansing. 

b.  The  promise  of  raising  the  temple. 

4.  The  witness  to  Nicodemus  : 

a.  The  visit  of  Nicodemus. 

b.  The  doctrine  of  the  new  birth. 

c.  God’s  love  for  the  world. 

[140] 


5.  The  second  witness  of  John : 

a.  John’s  disciples  ask  him  concerning 

Christ. 

b.  John  corroborates  his  first  testimony. 

6.  The  witness  to  the  Samaritans  : 

a.  The  incident  at  Jacob’s  well. 

b.  The  nature  of  true  worship. 

c.  The  belief  of  the  Samaritans. 

7.  The  second  sign  in  Cana  of  Galilee. 

III.  Signs  and  Witness  to  the  Jews  : 

1.  Signs  on  his  second  visit  to  Jerusalem: 

a.  The  miracle  at  the  Pool  of  Bethesda. 

b.  The  Pharisees  resent  the  miracle. 

c.  Jesus  discourses  on  his  relation  to  the 

Father. 

2.  Further  signs  in  Galilee  : 

a.  The  loaves  and  fishes : 

(1)  The  miracle. 

(2)  The  storm. 

(3)  The  sermon. 

b.  The  great  desertion. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Jesus  as  the  Logos. 

2.  The  doctrine  of  regeneration. 

3.  God’s  great  love  for  the  world. 

4.  The  nature  of  true  worship. 

5.  Jesus,  the  bread  of  life. 

6.  “Thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal  life.” 


[141] 


STUDY  LXVIII 

THE  GOSPEL  OF  JOHN:  JESUS  THE  REVELATION 

OF  GOD 

Assignment:  John  7-12. 

I.  The  Third  Visit  to  Jerusalem  : 

1.  Jesus  goes  secretly  to  Jerusalem  : 

a.  The  unbelief  of  his  brethren. 

b.  The  dispute  over  him  at  Jerusalem. 

c.  The  marvel  of  the  Jews  at  his  teaching. 

2.  Jesus  teaches  in  the  temple: 

a.  Contents  of  his  teaching: 

(1)  Jesus  as  the  water  of  life. 

(2)  Jesus  as  the  light  of  the  world. 

(3)  Jesus  as  the  teacher  of  truth. 

(4)  As  pre-existent  to  Abraham. 

b.  Effect  of  the  teaching: 

(1)  Division  of  opinion. 

(2)  “Never  man  spake  like  this  man.” 

(3)  The  Jews  are  angered  and  seek  to 

stone  him. 

3.  The  sign  of  the  man  born  blind : 

a.  The  controversy  over  guilt. 

b.  The  miracle. 

c.  The  subsequent  dispute  and  the  man’s  tes¬ 

timony. 

4.  The  Parable  of  the  Good  Shepherd: 

a.  The  parable. 

b.  The  application. 

c.  The  indignation  of  the  Jews. 

5.  The  sign  of  the  raising  of  Lazarus : 

a.  Jesus  hears  of  Lazarus’s  illness. 

b.  Jesus  decides  to  visit  Lazarus. 


[  142] 


c.  The  disciples  protest. 

d.  Thomas  resolves  to  go  and  die  with  him. 

e.  Jesus  arrives  at  Bethany  and  meets  the 

sisters. 

f.  The  miracle. 

g.  The  result  of  the  miracle. 

6.  Jesus  goes  into  the  wilderness. 

II.  Jesus  Returns  for  the  Last  Visit  to  Jeru¬ 
salem  : 

L  The  entrance  into  Jerusalem : 

a.  Jesus  at  Bethany  : 

( 1 )  The  anointing. 

(2)  The  protest. 

(3)  The  plotting. 

b.  The  triumphant  entry. 

2.  The  Greeks  seek  Jesus : 

a.  The  coming  of  the  Greeks. 

b.  The  testimony  from  the  skies. 

c.  The  unbelief  of  the  Jews. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Jesus  as  the  light  of  the  world. 

2.  The  freedom  that  comes  from  knowing  the  truth. 

3.  The  testimony  of  the  man  born  blind. 

4.  The  coming  of  the  Greeks. 


[  1^3  ] 


STUDY  LXIX 

THE  GOSPEL  OF  JOHN:  JESUS  THE  REVELATION 

OF  GOD 

Assignment :  John  13-21. 

I.  Signs  and  Witness  of  Jesus  Among  His  Own 

Disciples  : 

1.  The  Last  Supper: 

a.  The  washing  of  the  disciples’  feet. 

b.  The  announcement  of  the  betrayal. 

c.  Judas  receives  the  sop  and  leaves. 

2.  Discourse,  on  the  departure  of  Jesus : 

a.  Jesus  gives  a  new  commandment. 

b.  Jesus  announces  his  going  away. 

c.  Jesus  promises  the  Comforter. 

3.  Parable  of  the  Vine  and  other  teachings: 

a.  The  vine  and  the  branches. 

b.  Jesus  announces  his  love  and  friendship. 

c.  Jesus  forewarns  them  of  persecution. 

d.  The  mission  and  office  of  the  Comforter. 

e.  Teachings  on  prayer. 

4.  Jesus’s  prayer  for  the  disciples. 

II.  The  Passion  and  Resurrection  of  Jesus: 

1.  The  arrest  and  trial : 

a.  The  betrayal. 

b.  The  miracle. 

c.  The  arrest. 

d.  The  trial : 

(1)  Before  Annas: 

(a)  Peter  denies  Christ. 

(b)  Christ  is  buffeted. 

(2)  Before  Caiaphas. 

(3)  Before  Pilate. 


[144] 


2.  The  crucifixion  and  resurrection : 

a.  The  crucifixion. 

b.  The  burial. 

c.  The  resurrection  and  after : 

(1)  At  the  tomb. 

(2)  In  the  upper  room. 

(3)  Thomas  doubts. 

III.  Epilogue  ;  A  Personal  Reminiscence  : 

1.  The  disciples  go  fishing. 

2.  Jesus  and  Peter. 

3.  The  fate  of  the  disciple  whom  Jesus  loved. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  purpose  of  the  Gospel  of  John. 

2.  Comparison  of  this  gospel  with  the  other  three. 

3.  The  mission  of  the  Comforter. 

4.  The  house  of  many  mansions. 

5.  The  restoration  of  Peter. 

6.  The  disciple  whom  Jesus  loved. 

7.  Jesus’s  words  on  the  cross. 

8.  The  character  of  Pilate. 

9.  The  doubt  of  Thomas. 

10.  The  transformation  of  Nicodemus. 

11.  John’s  interpretation  of  Jesus. 

12.  John’s  evidence  for  -the  divinity  of  Christ. 


[145] 


STUDY  LXX 

REVIEW 
Study  LVIII 

1.  Name  the  books  of  the  Apocrypha,  and  indi¬ 

cate  their  nature. 

2.  Discuss  the  Jewish  background  of  Christianity. 

Study  LIX 

1.  Summarize  the  teachings  of  the  Sermon  on  the 

Mount. 

2.  Name  and  describe  six  miracles. 

Study  LX 

1.  Discuss  Jesus’s  relations  to  John  the  Baptist. 

2.  Name  and  give  the  substance  of  six  parables. 

3.  Summarize  Christ’s  teachings  concerning  the 

kingdom. 

4.  Give  a  complete  outline  of  the  life  of  Jesus. 

Study  LXI 

1.  Tell  about  Jesus’s  clash  with  the  ruling  classes. 

2.  Give  Jesus’s  teachings  concerning  the  ‘‘end.” 

Study  LXII 

1.  Discuss  the  significance  of  the  Gospel  of 

Mark. 

2.  Give  an  account  of  the  miracles  recorded  in 

this  study. 

Study  LXIII 

1.  Tell  about  Jesus  in  Jerusalem. 

2.  Give  an  account  of  the  closing  events  in  the 

ministry  of  Jesus. 


[146] 


Study  LXIV 


1.  Tell  about  the  birth  and  childhood  of  Jesus. 

2.  Give  an  account  of  the  early  ministry  of  Jesus 

in  Galilee. 

Study  LXV 

1.  Discuss  the  nature  of  the  parables. 

2.  What  was  Jesus’s  teaching  on  prayer? 

Study  LXVI 

1.  Give  an  account  of  the  Last  Supper. 

2.  Tell  about  Jesus’s  resurrection  and  subsequent 

appearances. 

Study  LXVII 

1.  Tell  about  the  call  of  Jesus’s  first  disciples. 

2.  Discuss  Jesus’s  interview  with  Nicodemus. 

3.  Tell  about  the  great  desertion  and  its  causes. 

Study  LXVIII 

1.  Give  an  account  of  Jesus’s  teachings  in  the 

temple. 

2.  Discuss  Jesus’s  relations  to  the  Bethany  home. 

3.  Indicate  the  importance  of  the  coming  of  the 

Greeks. 

Study  LXIX 

1.  Jesus’s  teaching  concerning  the  Comforter. 

2.  The  parable  of  the  Vine. 

3.  Compare  the  Gospel  of  John  with  the  others. 

4.  Tell  what  you  can  about  Jesus’s  prayer. 

5.  Discuss  the  character  of:  a.  Pilate;  b.  Judas; 

c.  Thomas ;  d.  Peter. 

6.  Tell  of  the  farewell  scene  narrated  by  John. 


[  147] 


STUDY  LXXI 

THE  BEGINNINGS  OF  THE  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH 
Assignment:  Acts  1-9:31. 

I.  The  Commission  to  the  Apostles  : 

1.  The  ascension. 

2.  The  prayer  meeting  at  Jerusalem. 

3.  The  selection  of  Judas’s  successor 

II.  The  Growth  of  the  Church  in  Jerusalem: 

1.  Pentecost: 

a.  Tongues. 

b.  Peter’s  sermon : 

(1)  The  fulfillment  of  prophecy. 

(2)  The  crucifixion  of  Christ. 

(3)  The  exaltation  of  Christ. 

c.  Aftermath  of  the  sermon : 

(1)  Conviction. 

(2)  Conversion. 

(3)  Communion. 

(5)  Communism. 

2.  Other  early  incidents: 

a.  The  healing  of  the  lame  man : 

(1)  The  miracle. 

(2)  The  sermon. 

(3)  The  arrest. 

(4)  The  trial. 

(5)  The  defense. 

(6)  The  release. 

(7)  The  rejoicing. 

(8)  The  second  baptism  of  the  Holy 

Ghost. 

b.  Ananias  and  Sapphira : 

( 1 )  The  practice. 


[148] 


(2)  The  deceit. 

(3)  The  punishment. 

c.  Signs  and  wonders. 

d.  Further  persecutions. 

III.  The  Extension  of  the  Gospel: 

1.  Persecution  hastens  the  extension: 

a.  Complaint  of  the  Grecian  Jews. 

b.  Selection  of  deacons. 

c.  Martyrdom  of  Stephen  : 

(1)  The  charge  against  Stephen. 

(2)  The  sermon : 

(a)  The  nature  of  the  sermon. 

(b)  The  effect  of  the  sermon. 

(3)  First  appearance  of  Saul. 

d.  Persecutions  increase. 

2.  The  ministry  in  Samaria : 

a.  Philip  preaches  and  performs  miracles. 

b.  Simon  Magus  is  baptized. 

c.  Peter  and  John  go  to  Samaria. 

d.  Simon  tries  to  buy  power. 

3.  Philip  and  the  Eunuch. 

4.  Conversion  of  Saul. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  Day  of  Pentecost. 

2.  Saul’s  conversion  and  the  death  of  Stephen. 

3.  The  Holy  Ghost  and  the  “promise  of  the  Father.” 

4.  Early  Christian  preaching. 

5.  Customs  of  the  early  church. 


[149] 


y 

STUDY  LXXII 

EXTENDING  THE  GOSPEL  TO  THE  GENTILES 
Assignment:  Acts  9:31-18:11. 

I.  The  Opening  of  the  Gospel  to  the  Gentiles: 

1.  Peter  performs  miracles  : 

a.  Peter  cures  /Eneas. 

b.  Peter  raises  Dorcas  from  the  dead. 

c.  Result  of  these  miracles. 

2.  Peter’s  mission  to  the  Gentiles : 

a.  The  visions : 

(1)  Cornelius’s  vision. 

(2)  Peter’s  vision. 

b.  The  visit  to  Cornelius : 

( 1 )  The  delegation  from  Cornelius. 

(2)  The  sermon  and  its  results: 

(a)  Baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

(b)  Water  baptism. 

c.  Peter  defends  his  ministry  to  the  Gentiles. 

3.  Antioch  becomes  the  center  of  Christianity : 

a.  The  ministry  at  Antioch. 

b.  The  name  Christian  is  first  given  there. 

4.  Persecutions  in  Jerusalem:  V*.,  \ 

a.  The  death  of  James. 

b.  The  imprisonment  of  Peter  : 

a.  The  prayer  meeting  for  Peter. 

b.  The  release  from  prison. 

c.  The  punishment  of  the  guards. 

d.  The  death  of  Herod. 

II.  Paul’s  First  Missionary  Journey: 

1.  The  institution  of  the  journey: 

a.  The  itinerary. 

b.  The  party. 


[150] 


2.  Incidents  of  the  journey  : 

a.  Elymas  the  sorcerer  is  stricken  blind. 

b.  Paul  preaches  at  Antioch. 

c.  The  lame  man  is  cured  at  Lystra. 

3.  Opposition  on  the  journey : 

a.  Persecution  at  Antioch. 

b.  Plots  at  Iconium. 

c.  The  stoning  at  Lystra. 

III.  Question  as  to  the  Circumcision  of  the 

Gentiles  : 

1.  The  question  raised. 

2.  The  question  settled : 

a.  The  council  at  Jerusalem. 

b.  The  speech  of  James. 

c.  The  decision. 

d.  The  letter. 

IV.  The  Opening  of  the  Gospel  to  Europe  : 

1.  Paul  sets  out  on  a  second  journey. 

2.  The  Macedonian  vision. 

3.  The  visit  to  Europe  : 

a.  At  Philipi  : 

(1)  Conversion  of  Lydia. 

(2)  The  imprisonment. 

b.  At  Athens. 

c.  At  Corinth. 

topics  for  discussion 

1.  The  council  at  Jerusalem. 

2.  The  Macedonian  vision. 

3.  “To  the  unknown  God.” 

4.  The  gospel  of  the  resurrection. 

5.  Origin  of  the  name  “Christian.” 


[151] 


4 


STUDY  LXXIII 

EARLY  PAULINE  EPISTLES 


nV/y 

\\sV 


Assignment :  I  and  II  Thessalonians  and  Galatians. 


I.  The  First  Letter  to  the  Thessalonians: 

1.  A  personal  message  to  the  Thessalonians: 

a.  Salutation  and  thanksgiving. 

b.  Self-defense : 

(1)  As  to  character. 

(2)  As  to  work. 

(3)  As  to  behavior. 

c.  Gratitude  to  the  Thessalonians. 

d.  Explanations : 

(1)  Why  Paul  did  not  visit  them. 

(2)  Why  he  sent  Timothy. 

(3)  Satisfaction  at  report  of  Timothy. 

2.  Exhortations  to  progress  : 

a.  In  Christian  morals  : 

(1)  Regarding  sexual  purity. 

(2)  Regarding  love  for  each  other. 

(3)  Regarding  industry  and  honesty. 

b.  In  doctrine : 

(1)  As  to  their  dead  friends  and  the  re¬ 

surrection. 

(2)  As  to  the  sudden  coming  of  Christ. 

c.  Church  administration. 

3.  Farewell. 

II.  The  Second  Letter  to  the  Thessalonians: 

1.  Introduction  and  thanksgiving : 

a.  Salutation. 

b.  Thanksgiving : 

( 1 )  Paul’s  gratitude  to  them. 

(2)  Paul’s  prayer  for  them. 


[152] 


2.  Correction  of  misapprehensions. 

a.  As  to  the  suddenness  of  the  coming  of 

Christ. 

b.  The  coming  of  the  anti-Christ. 

3.  Exhortation  to  sanity  : 

a.  Expression  of  confidence. 

b.  Against  disorderliness. 

c.  Necessity  of  work. 

4.  Blessing  and  farewell. 

III.  The  Letter  to  the  Galatians  : 

1.  Salutation. 

2.  Thesis :  The  doctrine  of  freedom  the  only  true 

gospel. 

3.  Proof  of  Paul’s  authority  : 

a.  Historical : 

(1)  His  conversion. 

(2)  The  independence  of  his  revelation. 

(3)  Vindication  of  his  position  : 

(a)  At  Jerusalem. 

(b)  At  Antioch. 

b.  Doctrinal : 

( 1 )  The  Spirit  is  received  without  the  law. 

(2)  The  legalist  a  slave. 

4.  Practical  inferences : 

a.  Spiritual  liberty  heightens  morality. 

b.  The  law  of  love  calls  for  better  service 

and  conduct. 

c.  The  principle  of  retribution  always  holds 

good. 

5.  Farewell. 

topics  for  discussion 

1.  The  second  coming  of  Christ. 

2.  Galatians,  the  Magna  Carta  of  Christianity. 

3.  Paul’s  gospel  of  liberty. 

[153] 


STUDY  LXXIV 

FIRST  CORINTHIANS:  PROBLEMS  OF  THE  CHRIS¬ 
TIAN  CHURCH 

I.  Introduction  : 

1.  Salutation. 

2.  Thanksgiving. 

II.  Rebuke  of  Evils  : 

1.  Factiousness : 

a.  Partisanship. 

b.  Paul  disclaims  sympathy  with  partisan¬ 

ship. 

c.  Recommends  simple  preaching: 

(1)  The  wise  are  really  called  first. 

(2)  Paul  preaches  only  Jesus  and  him 

crucified. 

(3)  The  Corinthians  demanded  simple 

teaching. 

d.  Paul  praises  the  work  of  the  apostles. 

e.  Paul  threatens  the  disturbers. 

2.  Immorality  and  contentions : 

a.  A  case  of  incest  tolerated. 

b.  Fellowship  not  to  be  held  with  fornica¬ 

tors,  and  the  like. 

c.  Litigation  among  Christians  a  disgrace. 

d.  Liberty  not  to  be  turned  to  license : 

(1)  Vile  sinners  not  to  inherit  the  king¬ 

dom. 

(2)  The  body  the  temple  of  the  Holy 

Ghost. 

III.  Reply  to  Inquiries  of  Their  Letter: 

1.  Marriage  and  family  relationships: 

a.  Paul’s  attitude  toward  marriage. 


[154] 


b.  On  marriage  to  unbelievers. 

c.  Marriage,  a  limitation  to  religion. 

2.  Things  sacrificed  to  idols  : 

a.  Idols  of  themselves  are  nothing. 

b.  Respect  must  be  had  for  the  weak. 

c.  Warning  against  fornication  and  idolatry. 

d.  Expediency  rather  than  lawlessness  to  be 

considered. 

3.  Order  in  church  meetings  : 

a.  Propriety  in  female  costume. 

b.  Propriety  in  observing  the  sacrament. 

4.  On  spiritual  gifts  : 

a.  All  gifts  are  valuable. 

b.  All  meet  in  the  unity  of  the  church. 

c.  Love  the  greatest  gift  of  all.  (Quote 

Chapter  13). 

5.  The  resurrection : 

a.  A  protest  against  unbelief  in  the  resur¬ 

rection. 

b.  The  importance  of  the  belief. 

c.  The  nature  of  the  resurrected  body. 

d.  The  triumph  over  sin  and  death. 

6.  Business  matters : 

a.  The  collection  for  the  poor. 

b.  A  proposed  visit. 

c.  Timothy  to  come. 

d.  Apollos  declines  to  come. 

IV.  Farewell. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Unknown  tongues. 

2.  Christian  liberty  of  conduct. 

3.  Paul’s  ideas  on  matrimony. 

4.  Paul’s  doctrine  of  the  resurrection. 

5.  Corinth  as  a  type  of  early  Christianity. 

[155] 


STUDY  LXXV 

SECOND  CORINTHIANS:  THE  CHRISTIAN 
MINISTRY 

I.  Introduction  : 

1.  Salutation. 

2.  Thanksgiving. 

II.  Sincerity  :  Paul's  Principle  of  Action  : 

1.  The  explanation : 

a.  Paul’s  conscious  sincerity. 

b.  His  changed  plan. 

c.  His  delayed  visit. 

d.  The  persistent  offender  at  Corinth. 

e.  Paul’s  suspense. 

2.  The  ministry  of  Paul  is : 

a.  Triumphant. 

b.  Accredited. 

c.  Glorious. 

d.  Honest. 

e.  Suffering. 

f.  Hopeful. 

g.  Devoted. 

h.  Reconciling. 

i.  Approved. 

3.  The  appeal  to  holiness. 

4.  The  assurance : 

a.  Of  love. 

b.  Of  comfort. 

c.  Of  confidence. 

III.  Liberality:  The  Collection  for  the  Saints 

at  Jerusalem  : 

1.  The  example  of  the  Macedonian  churches : 

a.  Their  grace  of  giving. 

b.  Their  joyful  giving. 

[156] 


2.  The  exhortation  to  the  Corinthian  church: 

a.  To  prove  their  love  according  to  their 

ability. 

b.  To  adopt  Christ  as  their  pattern  and 

motive. 

3.  Messengers  to  be  chosen. 

4.  Encouragement  to  cheerful  giving. 

IV.  Authority  :  Defense  of  Paul's  Apostolic 

Authority  : 

1.  His  divine  power: 

a.  To  be  exercised  if  necessary. 

b.  To  be  estimated  by  his  achievement. 

2.  His  Godly  jealousy  : 

a.  Of  false  teaching. 

b.  Of  feigned  disinterestedness  of  imposters. 

3.  His  enforced  boasting : 

a.  Its  necessity. 

b.  Its  grounds : 

(1)  His  heritage. 

(2)  His  experience. 

(3)  His  glorious  vision. 

(4)  His  thorn  in  the  flesh. 

4.  His  signs  of  apostleship. 

5.  His  warning  to  opponents. 

V.  Conclusion. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Paul’s  certainties. 

2.  The  ministry  of  reconciliation. 

3.  Paul’s  right  to  the  apostleship. 

4.  The  vision  of  the  third  heaven. 

5.  The  thorn  in  the  flesh. 

6.  Paul’s  centenary  collection. 

[157] 


STUDY  LXXVI 

ROMANS:  THE  GOSPEL  OF  CHRIST 

I.  Introduction: 

1.  Salutation. 

2.  Thanksgiving. 

II.  Doctrinal  : 

1.  Need  of  righteousness  : 

a.  God  angry  with  all  sin. 

b.  The  horrible  sins  of  mankind. 

c.  Impossibility  of  escaping  judgment: 

( 1 )  Without  the  law. 

(2)  Within  the  law. 

d.  Jews  and  Gentiles  alike  under  sin. 

e.  The  whole  world  guilty  before  God. 

2.  The  redemption  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 

3.  Abraham  and  his  faith. 

4.  The  fruits  of  righteousness : 

a.  Peace  with  God. 

b.  Life  in  Christ. 

c.  Death  to  sin  and  the  law. 

d.  Struggle  and  victory. 

e.  A  new  relationship,  adoption  : 

(1)  Freedom  from  condemnation. 

(2)  The  witness  of  the  Spirit. 

(3)  The  Christian’s  sure  hope. 

5.  The  problem  of  Israel : 

a.  Why  did  the  Jews  reject  this  righteous¬ 

ness  ? 

b.  The  rejection  not  inconsistent  with  God’s 

righteousness. 

c.  The  cause  of  the  failure : 

(1)  Because  they  followed  the  law  instead 
of  faith. 


[  158] 


ro  ^}-  lo  VO 


(2)  Because  they  were  disobedient  and 
unfaithful. 

d.  The  failure  partial  and  temporary. 

III.  Practical  : 

1.  True  worship  : 

a.  A  living  sacrifice. 

b.  Manifestation  of  Christian  graces. 

2.  Christian  citizenship : 

a.  Right  attitude  toward  established  govern¬ 

ment  : 

(1)  Subjection. 

(2)  Tribute. 

(3)  Respect. 

b.  Right  conduct  and  attitudes  : 

(1)  Love. 

(2)  Temperance. 

3.  Christian  churchmanship : 

a.  Respect  for  the  opinions  of  others. 

b.  Charity  to  all. 

c.  Sympathy  for  others. 

d.  Hopefulness. 

IV.  Conclusion. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Paul’s  indictment  against  the  race. 

2.  The  witness  of  the  spirit. 

.  The  righteousness  of  the  law. 

.  Romans  as  the  Christian  constitution. 

.  Paul  on  Judaism. 

.  Personality  of  Paul. 


[159] 


STUDY  LXXVII 

FURTHER  STUDIES  IN  THE  LIFE  OF  PAUL 
Assignment:  Acts  18:12-28:31. 

I.  Other  Events  of  Paul's  Journey  : 

1.  Paul  before  Gallio. 

2.  Paul  at  Ephesus  : 

a.  The  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

b.  The  miracles  of  Paul. 

c.  The  burning  of  the  books. 

II.  Circumstances  Turn  Paul  Toward  Rome  : 

1.  The  trouble  at  Ephesus: 

a.  The  stir  concerning  the  Way. 

b.  The  uproar  over  Diana  worship. 

2.  Paul’s  preaching  at  Troas. 

3.  The  parting  with  the  Ephesian  elders. 

4.  The  prophecy  of  Agabus. 

III.  Paul  in  Jerusalem  : 

1.  Paul  gives  an  account  of  his  ministry. 

2.  Paul  is  attacked  by  the  Jews : 

a.  The  attack  upon  Paul. 

b.  Paul’s  speech. 

c.  The  effect  of  the  speech. 

d.  The  order  for  scourging. 

e.  Paul’s  Roman  citizenship  stands  him  in 

good  stead. 

3.  Paul  appears  before  the  council: 

a.  Trouble  with  the  high  priest. 

b.  The  dissension  between  Pharisees  and 

Sadducees. 

4.  Paul  has  a  vision. 


[  160] 


IV.  Paul  at  Caesarea  : 

1.  The  conspiracy  against  Paul: 

a.  The  nature  of  the  conspiracy. 

b.  Paul  is  informed  of  the  conspiracy. 

c.  Paul  is  transferred  to  Csesarea  for  safe 

keeping. 

d.  The  letter  to  Felix. 

2.  Paul  before  Felix  : 

a.  The  preliminary  hearing: 

(1)  Tertullus  accuses  Paul. 

(2)  Paul  answers  the  charge. 

(3)  Felix  defers  the  hearing. 

b.  The  speech  before  Felix  : 

(1)  The  effect  upon  Felix. 

(2)  The  postponement  of  a  decision. 

3.  Paul  before  Agrippa : 

a.  Paul’s  appeal  to  Caesar. 

b.  Paul’s  speech  before  Agrippa. 

c.  The  effect  of  the  speech : 

(1)  On  Festus. 

(2)  On  Agrippa. 

V.  Paul  Goes  to  Rome  : 

1.  Paul’s  voyage  and  shipwreck. 

2.  Paul  reaches  Rome  : 

a.  Is  met  by  the  brethren, 

b.  Is  allowed  to  speak  and  teach. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  burning  of  the  books. 

2.  Paul  as  an  orator. 

3.  The  influence  of  Paul  on  Christianity. 

4.  Paul’s  trial  as  a  test  case  of  Christian  rights  in 

Roman  law. 


[161] 


STUDY  LXXVIII 

THE  EPISTLES  OF  PAUL’S  FIRST  IMPRISONMENT 

Assignment:  Ephesians,  Colossians,  Philemon, 
Philippians.  , 

I.  Ephesians  :  The  Grace  of  God  in  Christ: 

I.  Introduction  : 

a.  Salutation. 

b.  Thanksgiving  and  prayer  : 

(1)  For  God’s  choice  of  his  people. 

(2)  Prayer  for  wisdom. 

2.  The  reconciling  work  of  Jesus  Christ. 

3.  Practical  exhortations : 

a.  General : 

(1)  To  kindly  forbearance. 

(2)  To  moral  goodness. 

b.  Particular : 

(1)  Truthfulness. 

(2)  Control  of  temper. 

(3)  Honesty. 

(4)  Wisdom. 

(5)  Amiability. 

(6)  Love. 

(7)  Purity  in  speech  and  action. 

(8)  Wise  use  of  time. 

(9)  Sobriety. 

(10)  Gratitude. 

(11)  Humility. 

(12)  Love  between  husbands  and  wives. 

(13)  Right  relationships  between: 

(a)  Parents  and  children. 

(b)  Servants  and  masters. 

(14)  Put  on  the  armor  of  God. 

4.  Benediction. 


[  162] 


II.  Colossians  :  The  Person  and  Work  of  Christ: 

1.  Salutation. 

2.  Thanksgiving  and  prayer. 

3.  Warnings  against  false  teaching. 

4.  Practical  exhortations : 

a.  Vices  to  be  put  off.  Make  list. 

b.  Virtues  to  be  put  on. 

5.  The  power  of  Christ. 

III.  Philemon  :  A  Letter  of  Christian  Courtesy: 

1.  The  occasion  of  the  letter. 

2.  The  nature  of  the  letter. 

IV.  Philippians  :  Experiential  Knowledge  of 

Christ  : 


1.  Introduction: 

a.  Salutation. 

b.  Thanksgiving  and  prayer. 

2.  Statement  of  Paul’s  situation  : 

a.  The  influence  of  his  bonds. 

b.  Paul’s  strait. 

3.  Exhortations : 

a.  Harmony. 

b.  Like-mindedness  with  Christ. 

c.  Blamelessness. 

4.  Plans  for  the  future. 

5.  Final  exhortation. 


topics  for  discussion 


1.  The  Pauline  Christ. 

2.  Christian  character  as  depicted  by  Paul. 

3.  The  mind  of  Christ  Jesus. 

4.  Paul  on  slavery. 

5.  Development  of  authority  of  the  epistles  within 


churches. 


[  163] 


STUDY  LXXIX 

LAST  EPISTLES  OF  PAUL:  THE  CHRISTIAN 
PASTOR 

Assignment :  I  and  II  Timothy,  Titus. 

I.  Church  Organization  ( I  Timothy )  : 

1.  Salutation. 

2.  General  instruction  for  the  church  as  to : 

a.  Its  Doctrine. 

b.  Its  Worship: 

(1)  Public  prayer. 

(2)  Conduct  of : 

(a)  Men. 

(b)  Women. 

c.  Its  Officers : 

(1)  Bishops. 

(2)  Deacons. 

3.  Personal  advice  to  Timothy  : 

a.  His  doctrine;  to  be  kept  correct  by: 

( 1 )  Right  living. 

(2)  Sound  teaching. 

b.  His  discipline  of  : 

(1)  Widows. 

(2)  Elders. 

(3)  Slaves. 

c.  His  duty  to  : 

(1)  False  teachers. 

(2)  The  rich. 

4.  Summary  and  farewell. 

II.  Christian  Doctrine  (Titus)  : 

1.  Salutation  to  Titus. 

2.  His  duty  in  Crete. 

3.  His  doctrine  in  preaching. 


[164] 


4.  His  discipline  in  the  congregation. 

5.  Conclusion : 

a.  Orders. 

b.  Benediction. 

III.  Christian  Life  {II  Timothy )  : 

1.  Salutation. 

2.  The  exhortation : 

a.  To  courage. 

b.  To  faithfulness. 

3.  The  information. 

4.  The  admonition : 

a.  Be  strong. 

b.  Be  soldierly. 

c.  Be  spiritual. 

5.  The  encouragement. 

6.  The  warning. 

7.  The  charge. 

8.  The  summons. 

9.  Farewell. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  importance  of  Timothy  in  the  life  of  the  early 

church. 

2.  Paul’s  position  regarding  women  and  the  church. 

3.  The  picture  of  a  Pauline  church. 

4.  An  old  minister’s  advice  to  a  young  minister. 

5.  Character  sketch  of  Timothy. 

6.  Last  years  of  Paul. 


[165] 


STUDY  LXXX 

THE  EPISTLE  TO  THE  HEBREWS:  CHRIST  THE 
GREAT  HIGH  PRIEST 

Assignment :  Hebrews. 

I.  Introduction  : 

a.  The  old  revelation. 

b.  The  new  revelation. 

II.  Christ  the  Great  High  Priest  is  “Better 

Than”: 

1.  Angels: 

a.  In  title. 

b.  In  dignity. 

c.  In  function : 

(1)  As  revealing  God. 

(2)  As  representing  man. 

d.  In  rank. 

2.  Moses. 

a.  Comparison. 

b.  Contrast. 

c.  Warning  against  unbelief. 

3.  Aaron : 

a.  Comparison : 

(1)  Divine  appointment. 

(2)  Human  sympathy. 

b.  Contrast.  Christ  like  Melchizedek: 

(1)  A  royal  priest. 

(2)  An  universal  priest. 

(3)  An  unchangeable  priest. 

c.  Warning  against  apostasy. 

III.  Christ’s  Atoning  Work  Has  : 

1.  A  better  scene. 

2.  Better  conditions. 


[  166] 


3.  A  better  service  and  ritual : 

a.  The  old  atonement  had : 

(1)  An  earthly  sanctuary. 

(2)  A  continuous  service  of  sacrifice. 

(3)  A  restricted  entrance. 

b.  The  new  atonement  has  : 

(1)  A  heavenly  tabernacle. 

(2)  The  sacrificial  blood  of  Christ  once 

offered. 

(3)  Free  entrance  into  the  heavens. 

4.  A  better  sacrifice  : 

a.  The  old  typical  and  temporary. 

b.  Christ’s  the  fulfillment. 

IV.  The  Life  of  Christ’s  People: 

1.  Their  privileges. 

2.  Warning  against  wilful  sin. 

3.  The  principle  of  their  life  :  Faith  : 

a.  Experienced. 

b.  Illustrated  by  historic  characters. 

c.  Perfected  in  Christ,  its  author. 

d.  Chastened  by  trials. 

e.  Its  duties  : 

(1)  Brotherly  love. 

(2)  Hospitality. 

(3)  Honorable  marriage. 

(4)  Obedience  to  rulers. 

4.  Warning  against  refusal  to  hear. 

V.  Request  for  Prayer,  Benediction,  Personal 

Messages. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  Hebrew  "Hall  of  Fame.” 

2.  Christ,  the  complete  and  superior  revelation. 

3.  Priestly  functions  of  Jesus. 

4.  Purpose  of  Book  of  Hebrews. 

[167] 


STUDY  LXXXI 

THE  GENERAL  EPISTLES,  PART  I 
Assignment:  James  and  I  and  II  Peter. 

I.  James  :  An  Epistle  on  Faith  and  Works  : 

1.  Salutation. 

2.  Thoughts  on  temptation  : 

a.  Temptation  as  a  perfecter  of  character. 

b.  Temptations  are  from  within,  not  without. 

3.  Exhortation  to  be  doers  of  the  word: 

a.  The  result  of  hearing  and  not  doing. 

b.  Definition  of  religion. 

4.  Some  flaws  in  Christian  character : 

a.  Servile  respect  for  the  rich. 

b.  Formalism  and  factiousness. 

c.  Worldliness. 

d.  Slander. 

e.  Swearing. 

5.  Some  advice  to  the  sick. 

II.  The  First  Epistle  of  Peter  : 

1.  Salutation. 

2.  Thanksgiving. 

3.  Exhortations  in  view  of  special  privileges : 

a.  Holiness. 

b.  Brotherly  love. 

c.  Growth  as  the  people  of  God. 

4.  Exhortations  in  view  of  special  conditions : 

a.  Sojourners. 

b.  Citizens. 

c.  Servants. 

d.  Wives  and  Husbands. 

e.  Innocent  sufferers. 


[168] 


f.  Opposed  by  sinners. 

g.  Expecting  the  coming  of  Christ. 

5.  Exhortations  in  view  of  special  trials : 

a.  Steadfastness. 

b.  Fidelity. 

c.  Humility,  trust,  vigilance,  constancy. 

6.  The  conclusion : 

a.  The  bearer  and  purpose  of  the  letter: 

b.  Salutation  and  benediction. 

III.  The  Second  Epistle  of  Peter  : 

1.  The  knowledge  of  Christ: 

a.  Salutation :  the  gift  of  knowledge. 

b.  Exhortation :  the  growth  of  knowledge. 

c.  Promise  :  the  grounds  of  knowledge. 

2.  The  teachers  of  error : 

a.  Their  punishment. 

b.  Their  character  and  conduct. 

c.  Their  evil  influence. 

3.  The  coming  of  Christ : 

a.  The  certainty. 

b.  The  time  and  circumstances. 

c.  The  consequent  exhortations. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Teaching  of  James  on  temptation. 

2.  James’s  definition  of  religion. 

3.  The  purpose  of  the  Epistles  of  Peter. 

4.  The  relations  of  Peter  and  Paul. 


[169] 


STUDY  LXXXII 

THE  GENERAL  EPISTLES,  PART  II 
Assignment:  I,  II,  and  III  John  and  Jude. 

I.  The  First  Epistle  of  John  : 

1.  Introduction:  The  life  eternal  revealed  in 

Christ. 

2.  The  life  of  fellowship  with  God : 

a.  Tested  by  righteousness. 

b.  Tested  by  love. 

c.  Tested  by  belief. 

3.  The  life  of  the  children  of  God : 

a.  Tested  by  righteousness. 

b.  Tested  by  love. 

c.  Tested  by  belief. 

4.  The  source  of  love. 

5.  The  triumph  of  righteouness. 

6.  The  grounds  of  belief. 

7.  Conclusion  :  Christian  certainties. 

II.  The  Second  Epistle  of  John: 

1.  The  salutation. 

2.  The  counsel  and  warning. 

3.  The  conclusion : 

a.  The  promised  visit. 

b.  The  closing  greeting. 

III.  The  Third  Epistle  of  John  : 

1.  The  salutation  and  the  writer’s  joy. 

2.  The  praise  of  Gaius. 

3.  The  condemnation  of  Diotrephes. 

4.  The  commendation  of  Demetrius. 


[170] 


5.  The  conclusion : 

a.  The  promised  visit. 

b.  Greetings. 

IV.  The  Epistle  of  Jude: 

1.  The  salutation. 

2.  The  occasion  of  the  writing. 

3.  The  sin  and  doom  of  the  false  teachers. 

4.  Exhortation  to  the  faithful  to  remain  steadfast. 

5.  Doxology. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  dispute  over  the  body  of  Moses. 

2.  The  anti-Christ  in  the  early  church. 

3.  “Now  are  we  the  sons  of  God.” 

4.  The  “new”  commandment. 

5.  The  writings  of  John. 

6.  Authority  of  the  apostles  in  doctrine,  discipline, 

and  church  organization. 

7.  Relation  of  Jude  and  James  to  Jesus. 


[171  ] 


STUDY  LXXXIII 

THE  REVELATION 
Assignment:  Revelation  1-11. 

I.  Prologue:  The  Messages  to  the  Seven 

Churches  : 

1.  Salutation  to  the  churches. 

2.  The  visiorf  of  the  call. 

3.  The  Spirit’s  message  to  the  churches : 

a.  Ephesus. 

b.  Smyrna. 

c.  Pergamum. 

d.  Thyatira. 

e.  Sardis. 

f.  Philadelphia. 

g.  Laodicea. 

II.  The  Sealed  Book  and  the  Lamb  : 

1.  The  throne  and  its  surrounding  brilliancy: 

a.  The  elders. 

b.  The  spirits. 

c.  The  glassy  sea. 

2.  The  sealed  book. 

3.  The  Lamb : 

a.  The  incense. 

b.  The  song. 

III.  The  Powers  of  Judgment: 

1.  The  white  horse,  captivity. 

2.  The  red  horse,  war. 

3.  The  black  horse,  famine. 

4.  The  pale  horse,  death. 

5.  A  cry  for  judgment. 


[172] 


6.  The  day  of  wrath  breaking : 

a.  The  general  commotion. 

b.  The  sealing  of  the  tribes. 

c.  The  white-robed  throng. 

7.  The  silence  of  expectation. 

IV.  The  Seven  Trumpets  : 

1.  Judgment  on  the  earth. 

2.  Judgment  on  the  sea. 

3.  Judgment  on  rivers  and  fountains. 

4.  Judgment  on  sun  and  stars. 

5.  Judgment  from  beneath. 

6.  Judgment  from  Euphrates  to  the  four  winds : 

a.  The  death  of  the  third  part  of  men. 

b.  The  sealing  of  judgment. 

c.  The  mystery  of  prophecy. 

7.  The  mystery  unsealed  in  Christ. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  Apocalyptic  literature  in  the  Bible. 

2.  A  comparison  between  John  and  Daniel. 

3.  The  visions  of  John  and  the  visions  of  Zechariah. 

4.  The  message  to  the  churches. 

5.  The  four  horses  of  the  Apocalypse. 

6.  The  wrath  of  the  Lamb. 

7.  The  purpose  of  the  Book  of  Revelation. 


[173] 


STUDY  LXXXIV 

THE  REVELATION 
Assignment:  Revelation  12-22. 

I.  Salvation  : 

1.  The  woman  and  the  dragon. 

2.  War  in  heaven. 

3.  Temptation  *on  earth. 

4.  The  beast  warring  with  the  saints : 

a.  His  appearance. 

b.  His  power. 

5.  The  prophet  of  the  beast : 

a.  Description. 

b.  Power. 

c.  Number. 

6.  Followers  of  the  Lamb  arrayed  for  war: 

a.  The  multitude  on  Mount  Zion. 

b.  The  message  of  the  angels. 

c.  The  voice  from  heaven. 

7.  Harvest  of  judgment  and  salvation: 

a.  The  sickle. 

b.  The  song  of  Moses  and  the  Lamb. 

II.  The  Seven  Golden  Bowls: 

1.  The  first  bowl,  sores  on  men. 

2.  The  second  bowl,  the  sea  becomes  blood. 

3.  The  third  bowl,  rivers  and  fountains  become 

blood. 

4.  The  fourth  bowl,  the  sun  has  unusual  heat. 

5.  The  fifth  bowl,  afflictions  in  the  kingdom  of 

the  beast. 

6.  The  sixth  bowl,  judgment  at  Euphrates. 


[174] 


7.  The  seventh  bowl,  the  end  of  judgment : 

a.  The  mystery  of  Babylon. 

b.  The  fall  of  Babylon. 

c.  The  desolation  of  Babylon. 

d.  The  hallelujah  chorus. 

III.  The  Word  of  God  and  the  Thrones  of  Judg¬ 

ment  : 

1.  The  fifth  horse  of  the  Apocalypse. 

2.  Birds  to  the  supper  of  God. 

3.  Beast  and  false  prophet  punished. 

4.  The  dragon  bound. 

5.  The  first  resurrection. 

6.  War  of  Gog  and  Magog. 

7.  The  final  judgment. 

IV.  The  Lamb’s  Bride  : 

1.  The  great  voice  from  heaven. 

2.  The  New  Jerusalem  : 

a.  Description. 

b.  River  and  tree  of  life. 

V.  Epilogue. 

TOPICS  FOR  DISCUSSION 

1.  The  number  of  the  beast. 

2.  The  fifth  horse  of  the  Apocalypse. 

3.  The  tree  of  life  in  Hebrew  literature. 

4.  The  water  of  life  in  Hebrew  literature. 

5.  The  message  of  the  Revelation  to  the  present  day. 

6.  “Behold  I  come  quickly.” 


[175] 


STUDY  LXXXV 

REVIEW 
Study  LXXI 

1.  Give  an  account  of  the  early  events  of  the 

Christian  church. 

2.  Tell  about  Saul’s  conversion. 

Study  LXXII 

1.  Discuss  the  extension  of  the  gospel  to  the  Gen¬ 

tiles. 

2.  Give  the  itinerary  and  main  events  of  each  of 

Paul’s  missionary  journeys. 

3.  Narrate  Paul’s  earlier  experience  in  Europe. 

Study  LXXIII 

1.  Give  the  main  ideas  of  First  Thessalonians. 

2.  Discuss  the  purpose  and  nature  of  Second 

Thessalonians. 

3.  State  the  thesis  of  Galatians  and  show  how 

Paul  proved  it. 

Study  LXXIV 

1.  Indicate  the  topics  discussed  in  First  Corin¬ 

thians. 

2.  What  was  Paul’s  positions  as  to  spiritual  gifts? 

3.  Quote  First  Corinthians  13. 

4.  Outline  Paul’s  discussion  of  the  resurrection. 

Study  LXXV 

1.  Indicate  the  main  ideas  in  Second  Corinthians. 

2.  Sum  up  Paul’s  experiences  seen  in  the  epistle. 

Study  LXXVI 

1.  Give  the  main  doctrinal  ideas  in  Romans. 

2.  Indicate  some  of  the  practical  suggestions. 


[176] 


Study  LXXVII 


1.  Discuss  Paul’s  speeches  before  Felix  and 

Agrippa. 

2.  Narrate  four  other  events  in  the  life  of  Paul. 

Study  LXXVIII 

1.  Outline  the  practical  suggestions  in  Ephesians. 

2.  State  the  purpose  and  nature  of  Philemon. 

3.  Characterize  the  Pauline  Christ. 

Study  LXXIX 

1.  Give  the  main  church  regulations  in  First 

Timothy. 

2.  Describe  a  Pauline  church. 

Study  LXXX 

1.  Show  the  purpose  of  Hebrews  and  the  writer’s 

arguments  for  steadfastness. 

2.  Give  brief  sketches  from  the  11th  chapter. 

Studies  LXXXI  and  LXXXII 

1.  Sum  up  the  teachings  of  James. 

2.  Indicate  the  nature  and  contents  of  First  Peter. 

3.  Compare  Second  Peter  and  Jude. 

4.  Discuss  the  epistles  of  John. 

Studies  LXXXIII  and  LXXXIV 

1.  Indicate  the  nature  of  the  messages  to  the 

churches. 

2.  Discuss  the  imagery  of  the  Revelation. 

3.  Give  some  of  the  striking  pictures  in  the  book. 

4.  Indicate  the  purpose  of  the  book  and  its  mes¬ 

sage  to  the  present  church. 

5.  Cite  some  of  the  more  beautiful  passages. 

6.  Give  an  account  of  the  tree  and  water  of  life. 


[177] 


This  Table,  Taken  from  Seay’s  Gist  of  the  Old  Testament,  Presents  the  Sources  of  the  Bible  Mentioned 
Within  its  Own  Limits  and  Shows  the  Stages  by  Which  it  Came  Together. 


w 

.J 

hH 

PQ 


£ 


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£  s  2  2  > 
(A,  2  h  h  :  » 


Letters  of  Paul  and  others, 
Apocalypse. 


Date  Due 


,  JW  2  50.  

NOV  1 6  '53 

mu 

FORM  335  45M  10-41 


Div.-S.  220.02  S744  62296 


